[VII.
MABEL'S NEW WHIM.]
"Please give me my puf-folio, Daphne," were Belle's first words in the morning before she was up.
"Puf-folio" stood for port-folio in Belle's English; and the one in question was greatly prized by her, as were also the contents. It had been given to her by Harry Bradford, who had also presented one to each of his little sisters; and was formed of large sheets of pasteboard, bound and tied together with bright-colored ribbons; Belle's with red, Bessie's with blue, and Maggie's with purple. To be sure, the binding and sewing had all been done by Aunt Annie; but the materials had been furnished from Harry's pocket-money, and the portfolios were regarded as the most princely gifts, and treasured with great care.
Within were "proverb-pictures" of every variety and in great number, also many a scrap of paper, and—treasure beyond price!—whole sheets of fool's-cap for future use.
One of these last Belle drew forth, and sitting up in her bed began to compose another picture. She was busy with it till Daphne took her up; and even while the old woman was dressing her she kept making little rushes at it, putting in a touch here and there till she had it finished to her satisfaction.
Mabel did not come to breakfast with her uncle and cousin that morning, but chose to take it with her mamma in her own room.
So little Belle, when the meal was over, asked her papa if she might go to her cousin.
"No, dear, I think not," said her father. "You and Mabel are better apart."