will. Won't I have nuffin to do but
just sit still? But I'd rather be gentle (generous), and give it to my
mamma."

"Well, to your mamma, then. What will be the harm, Dotty, in leaving
this wheelbarrow out here at the door?"

"I don't know," said Dotty; "I hope there won't any 'bugglers' come
along, and steal it."

"I shall watch it," replied Prudy, with a care-worn look; and they all
went up the steps and entered the little picture-gallery.

The windows were closed, and the odor of chemicals was so stifling,
that the children almost gasped for breath. The artist seemed glad to
see them, made no remarks about the wheelbarrow, though he must have
noticed it, and said he would be ready in a few minutes. While they
waited, they walked about the room, looking at the pictures on the
walls.

"See," said Dotty; "there is Abby Grant, with her hair frizzed. Prudy"
(in a low whisper), "you don't s'pose he will carry us off--do you? I
forgot about the wheels, or I wouldn't have come! O, see that little
boy; hands as big as my father's! Here comes Jennie Vance; I'm going
to call her in."

Dotty had forgotten her contempt for her lively friend. Jennie came
in, twirling the rim of her hat, and looking quite gratified by this
mark of friendship in Dotty.

"Going to have your picture taken, Dotty Dimple? Well, so I would if I
was as pretty as you are. O, dear" (with a sly peep at the glass), "I
wish I wasn't so homely."

Now Jennie was a handsome child, and knew it well; but Dotty took her
wail in earnest. "Why, Jennie," said she, with ready sympathy, "I
don't think you're so _very_ homely; not half so homely, any way, as
some of the girls at Portland."

Jennie frowned and bit her thumb. Prudy smiled "behind her mouth," but
Dotty was serenely unconscious that she had given offence. By this
time the artist was ready, and thought it best to try Flyaway first;
for he had had enough experience with children to see at a glance that
this one would be as difficult to "take" as a bird on the wing. Prudy
made sure the wheelbarrow was safe, and then turned to arrange her
little cousin.

"Here, put your hands down in your lap."

Up went the little hands to the flossy hair. "It won't stay, Prudy,
_or nelse_ you tie it."

"I shall brush it, the very last minute, Flyaway. All you must do is
sit still. Mayn't she look at your watch, sir, just to keep her eyes
from moving?"

"No matter what she looks at," replied the artist; "but sh