Such a long, friendly speech to any stranger, even one of her own age, was a great effort for Maggie; but for Belle's sake she wanted to make Mabel comfortable, and put her on her good behavior at once. And she succeeded; for the pout passed from Mabel's lip and the frown from her brow, as she said,—
"Yes, we will; and see what a big box of sugar-plums I have brought. We'll eat them all up."
"If mamma gives us leave; but I am quite sure she will not," said Maggie to herself, and then said aloud,—
"We might play with them, and you shall be the store-woman if you like."
"Yes, so we will," said Mabel. "Didn't Belle try to make you mad at me? She's as mad as any thing at me herself, and won't speak to me, when I never did a thing to her."
"Oh! she's all over that now," said Maggie, wisely noticing only the last part of Mabel's speech. "She and Bessie are putting on the dolls' best suits for you. Come and see them."
And half-ashamed, half-defiant, Mabel followed her little hostess into the play-room to greet Bessie and Belle.
If Mabel was a little shame-faced, Belle was still more so; for she was not accustomed to behave in the way she had done that morning, and her conscience was more tender than Mabel's. But now that she had resolved to do better she would not let shame stand in her way; and going right up to Mabel, she said,—
"Let's kiss and make up, Mabel. I'm sorry I was so cross this morning."