"Oh—oh!" exclaimed Phronsie with cheeks aflame.
"Please, he said we was to have dolls," cried one hungry-eyed girl, holding out both her hands. "I've never had one. Please give me one quick."
"Never had one?" echoed Phronsie, taking a step toward her.
"Only a piece, Miss, I found in a rag-barrel. Please give me one quick."
"She's never had a doll—only a piece," repeated Phronsie, turning back to the family, unable to contain this information.
"Ask the others if they have had any," said Mr. King, leaning against a tall cabinet. "Try that girl there in a brown plaid dress."
"Have you ever had a doll?" asked Phronsie obediently, looking over at the girl indicated, and holding her breath for the answer.
At this, the girl in the brown plaid dress burst into tears, which so distressed Phronsie that she nearly cried.
"Yes, but it died," said the girl after a little.
"Oh, Grandpapa, her doll died!" exclaimed Phronsie in horror.