and one's memory is apt to play one tricks when one is telling stories
of other people. But I think I remember it correctly. So I will begin
without further delay the history of: 'The Little Dancer.'"

THE LITTLE DANCER

There never was a prettier dancer than the Little Dancer of the frizzy
dark hair, and the blue tulle dress with silver spangles.

Forward, backward, forward, backward went her little feet with rapid,
dainty movement, whilst the small musical-box--on the top of which she
gracefully danced--tinkled, tinkled, tinkled out its gay little tune,
and all the Toys watched her with the greatest delight.

Truly she bewitched all who saw her, and gained much admiration. But she
was very modest, and not at all conceited, so that she was not only
admired but also loved; which, as you will agree, is far better.

She took life very easily and happily, till it happened one day that she
saw the Bicycle-man, and unfortunately fell in love with him as he went
by. He was a very handsome fellow, and made a good appearance upon his
bicycle.

Directly the Little Dancer saw him she loved him, and she lost no time
in telling him so. She spoke without any hesitation.

"Dear heart, I love you," she said as she danced.

Now the Bicycle-man was very vain, and was therefore not a little
gratified at the impression he had made. But he pretended to be much
displeased.

"You should not have said that until I had first said something of the
sort," replied the Bicycle-man. "It was not your place to speak first.
You are very forward."

And he rode on.

The Little Dancer was much distressed.

"He is angry," she said to her friend the Little China Doll next to her,
with the two long flaxen pigtails hanging down her back.

"He is angry." And she danced more slowly and less gaily.

"What of that?" said her friend, tossing her head. "It is of no
consequence."

"No; it is of no consequence," repeated the Little Dancer. But she felt
unhappy.

The next day the Bicycle-man passed that way again, and she danced her
very best, hoping to win his heart.

"That is really not bad," he said; "not at all bad. You dance quite
nicely, as dancing goes."

"Oh sweetheart, I love you!" she said, encouraged by his praise.

"I really cannot stand such remarks," said the Bicycle-man. "They make
me both angry and confused."

And he went on, leaving her in tears.

"Why do you trouble about him?" said the Little China Doll. "He is