“I presume they do,” said Mr. Ashford, smiling as he lifted both Marty and the doll to his knee. “How many dolls have you?”
“Seven, counting the two little china ones.”
“Well, that's a pretty numerous family for one small girl to care for. I guess you can spare Lucy Aurelia.”
“Lucy Aurelia!” Marty laughed heartily. “O papa, what is the reason you never can remember my dolls' names?”
“I don't see how you can remember them yourself.” Then as he kissed her goodnight he said,
“I am glad my little girl is learning to be kind to the poor and friendless.”
The next day there was some prospect that Marty would not get to Jennie's after all, as Mrs. Ashford could not very well go with her and would not let her go alone. Marty was preparing to be dreadfully disappointed, but her mother said, “Wait until after lunch and we will see what can be done.”
Just then there was a tap at the door, and a tall, dark-eyed, smiling young lady entered.
“Why, here's Cousin Alice!” exclaimed Marty, and the warm welcome the visitor received from them all showed what a favorite she was.
“I've come to stay to lunch if you will have me,” she announced, throwing her wrap and gloves on the couch. Marty immediately invited her to stay for ever, and Freddie began building a wall with his blocks all around her chair so that she could not possibly get away.