"My poor, ugly dolly," she murmurs. "And oh, what shall I say if Auntie asks for my jug?"
"We'll tell her—all of us together. It was all for our sakes you did it, and so she can't be angry," say the other five.
"And, Jinny, I do think the old doll would make a beautiful maid for the others; she really couldn't look vulgar in a neat print frock and white apron."
"All the same," she said, "I wish now we had waited a little and believed that Auntie would come as soon as she could. I see that it would have been better. And oh, I do so hope she won't be vexed."
She was not vexed; only very, very sorry. More deeply sorry than the princesses themselves could understand.
"I had no idea of it all," said poor Auntie. "Yet I could not have come to you sooner, my darlings. Still—if I had known—— But it is all over now, and you are going to be as happy as ever your Auntie can make you."
"And it's almost the same as having a mamma, isn't it?" said Baby, satisfied that in this possession she had an undoubted share.
The mug was reclaimed. And the dealer, who had paid far too little for it, was well frightened by no less a person than Uncle himself.
Poor Red-Head never knew how he had failed. But Auntie, who got to know his father and mother, was able, without hurting his feelings, to make him understand that little boys do well to keep out of such transactions even when inspired by the kindest of motives.