Such a busy day as it was to be! But just now all care was forgotten, even to the regret at parting, in watching the absurd freaks of little Froll, the monkey. Her real name was Frolic; but who ever heard children call a pet by its real name?
Mrs. Hyde called to Nettie, requesting her to do an errand. At the sound of her voice Nettie ran towards her, exclaiming,—
“O, mamma! Adele has given us such a splendid present, to take home with us!”
“What is it, my dear?”
“I love it so dearly! It’s—it’s—”—here Nettie’s voice trembled a little, and her heart knew its own misgivings—“it’s—Froll, mamma, the little darling!”
“And who is Froll, the little darling!”
“That dear little monkey,” answered Nettie, pointing to Froll, now close at hand.
“O,” exclaimed Mrs. Hyde, retreating hastily, “I dislike monkeys, and I cannot have one travelling with me.”
“But, mamma—” said Nettie, piteously.
“You need not think of it, my dear; it is quite impossible,” was the decided reply, to Nettie’s disappointment.