ats are very fussy
about keeping themselves clean, so I do not see why a white China Cat
should not be treated the same way. You dust the Nodding Donkey,
Geraldine, and I'll dust the Cat."

"That China Cat seems to act as if she wanted to speak to me," thought
the Donkey. "Perhaps, after the store is closed to-night, as the
workshop of Santa Claus is closed, I may speak to her."

Up and down and to and fro the head of the Nodding Donkey moved as
Geraldine Mugg dusted him. Then she set him back on the shelf, as her
sister did the China Cat.

"Come here, Daughters, and see this set of Soldiers," called Mr. Mugg,
who was unpacking more toys from the box. "They are the nicest we ever
had."

"Oh, what fine red coats they wear!" said Angelina.

"And how their guns shine!" exclaimed Geraldine. "Our store will look
lovely when we get all the toys placed in it."

"I think the store looks very well as it is," thought the Nodding Donkey
to himself, as he stood straight and stiff on his shelf, his coat of
varnish glistening in the light. "I never saw such a wonderful place."

And, indeed, the toy store of Mr. Horatio Mugg was a place of delight
for all boys and girls. I could not begin to tell you all the things
that were in it. Mr. Mugg kept only toys. All the different sorts that
were ever made were there gathered together, ready for the Christmas
trade.

And as the Nodding Donkey, standing beside the white China Cat, looked
on and listened, he saw boys and girls, with their fathers or mothers,
coming in to look at the toys. Some were ordered to be put away until
Christmas should come. Others were taken at once, to be mailed perhaps
to some far-off city.

As the Nodding Donkey watched he saw a little boy with blue eyes and
golden hair come in and point to a Jack in the Box.

"Please, Mother, will you tell Santa Claus to bring me that for
Christmas?" begged the little boy.

"Yes, I will do that," his mother promised. "And now, Sister, what would
you like?" the lady asked.

The Nodding Donkey looked down and saw a little girl, with dark hair and
brown eyes standing beside the little boy. This girl pointed to a large
doll, and, to his surprise, the Donkey saw that it was the same one he
had spoken to in the packing case.

"You may put that Doll aside for my little girl for Christmas, Mr.
Mugg," said the lady.

"Very well, Madam, it shall be done," replied the toy man, and he lifted
the Cloth Doll down off the shel