"Read it aloud," said Jinny quickly. But Helen was all trembling with excitement. Jinny seized it and read.
Delightful news truly for the six imprisoned princesses!
"She must be nice," said Jinny; "she writes so sweetly. And what can the presents be that she says she is sending us for Christmas?"
Agatha looked over her shoulder.
"I have chosen what I think would have pleased me most when I was a little girl. The box is sent off by express from Paris, where your uncle and I are resting for a few days, so that you may have it by Christmas. And before the new year begins, my darlings, I hope to be at last with you."
Rat-tat-tat again. The railway van this time. Such a big box comes up to the nursery. Dear, dear, what a business to get it opened. How the six pairs of eyes shine, how the six pairs of hands tremble with eagerness as each undoes her own specially marked parcel. And oh, the cries of delight at last! What could be lovelier, what more perfect, than the six exquisite dolls, each more beautiful than her sisters!
"Real wax, real hair, real everysing," cries Princess Baby.
"One suit of clothes ready, taking off and on ones, and lots of stuff to make more," adds Butter-ball.
"Oh, how sweet Auntie must be, how happy we are going to be!" cry all.
But Jinny's face is sad.