I thought, said the elder Miss Lively, you were wishing but the other day for a little boy doll. I expected you would have chosen that?
Lydia said nothing. But Mrs. Grant, who guessed her reason, asked Fanny which she really thought the prettiest? Fanny thus called upon, said, they were both pretty; but she thought the little girl the prettiest. Then pray take it, said Lydia; for Indeed I left the boy because I thought you would like it best. And I, said Fanny, did not like to say any thing, because I thought my cousin liked the little girl best.
You are both charming girls, said Mrs. Grant, but I suppose, if you change, each will have exactly what she wishes. The exchange was made, and afterward the young ladies spent their time till dinner in nursing their children, and putting them into and taking them out of the cradle.
Miss Lydia had now quite left off whining and frowning, and was grown a very agreeable play-fellow and companion; and as she and Fanny amused themselves, without any noise or bustle, it was a pleasure to see them in the room. During the whole time they staid, they behaved in the most pleasing manner; and Mrs. Grant did every thing in her power to make the visit agreeable to them. After passing a very cheerful day, they returned home, and Miss Lydia had the pleasure of seeing her little friend in much better spirits than when she set out.
CHAPTER THE ELEVENTH.
THE BASKET OVERTURNED.
One day, as Miss Lydia was walking in the fields with her Mamma, her sisters, and Fanny, she saw a little girl standing near the hedge, and crying very sadly. The voice of distress was never heard without attention by Miss Lydia; she ran up to the girl, followed by Fanny, and asked her what was the matter?
Girl.
Oh! dear, what shall I do! my eggs are almost all broken! and my mother will be so angry, I am afraid to go home!
Lydia.