'No, she's not here,' said the dwarfs.
'Oh dear! oh dear!' said the child, with a little cry of disappointment.
'Very sorry, indeed, my dear,' said the giant. 'I'm afraid I sha'n't do as well?'
'No,' said Rosalie mournfully. 'It was Mother Manikin I wanted; she knew all about my mother.'
'Very sorry indeed, my dear,' repeated the giant 'Very sorry, very sorry!' re-echoed the dwarfs.
'Where is Mother Manikin?' asked the child.
Why, the fact is, my dear, she has retired from the concern. Made her fortune, you see. At least, having saved a nice sum of money, she determined to leave the show. Somehow, she grew tired of entertaining company, and told us "old age must have its liberties."'
'Then where is she?' asked Rosalie.
'She has taken two little rooms in a town in the south of the county; very comfortable, my dear. You must call and see her some day.'
'Oh dear!' said little Rosalie; 'I'm so very, very sorry she is not here!'