All day long the packing up went on, and one by one the shows moved off, and the market-place became more empty.
In the afternoon Toby came to the caravan to inform Rosalie that the 'Royal Show of Dwarfs' was just going to start, and Mother Manikin wanted to say good-bye to her.
'Mind you thank her, Rosalie,' said the sick woman, 'and give her my love.'
'Yes, mammie dear,' said the child; 'I won't forget.'
She found the four little dwarfs sitting in a tiny covered waggon, in which they were to take their journey. Rosalie was cautiously admitted, and the door closed carefully after her. Mother Manikin took leave of her with tears in her eyes; they were not going to the same fair as Rosalie's father, and she did not know when they would meet again. She gave Rosalie very particular directions about the beef-tea, and slipped in her pocket a tiny parcel, which she told her to give to her mother. And then she whispered in Rosalie's ear—
'I haven't forgotten to ask the Good Shepherd to find me, child; and don't you leave me out, my dear, when you say your prayers at night.'
'Come, Mother Manikin,' said Master Puck, 'we must be off!'
Mother Manikin shook her fist at him, saying—
'Old age must have its liberties, and young things should not be so impatient.'
Then she put her little arms round Rosalie's neck and kissed and hugged
her; and the three other dwarfs insisted on kissing her too. And as soon as
Rosalie had gone, the signal was given for their departure, and the 'Royal
Show of Dwarfs' left the market-place.