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Updated: June 8, 2025
Oh, you bet, them that's naughty always pays the piper." Gwendolyn got to her feet. "I won't pay the piper," she retorted. "I'm going to give all my money to the hand-organ man all of it. I like him," tauntingly. "But I hate you." "We hate a sneak," observed Miss Royle, blandly. The little figure went rigid. "And I hate you," she cried shrilly. Then buried her face in her hands.
I can theorize, you see, but the practice is beyond me. 'But why don't you try it? cried Pauline, her eyes sparkling. 'It is a splendid idea. 'Bless you, my child, because it would involve work, and that is a thing I abhor. 'But Gwendolyn must work on all these societies, said Pauline. Belle danced across the room, and seated herself on the arm of her chair. 'You dear old thing!
And beside Gwendolyn trotted Johnnie Blake. The piano-seat was Johnnie. His eyes were blue, and full of laughter. His small nose was as freckled as Jane's. His brown hair disposed itself in several rough heaps, as if it had been winnowed by a tiny whirlwind. "Good-morning," said Gwendolyn, curtseying. "Hello!" returned Johnnie while Gwendolyn smiled at herself in the pier-glass.
Halfway up the shining surface of the gilt-framed pier glass was a mark a tiny ink-line that had been carefully drawn across the outer edge of the wide bevel. As Gwendolyn stared at the line, the reflection of her small face in the mirror grew suddenly all white, as if some rude hand had reached out and brushed away the pink from cheeks and lips.
"Moth-er!" She clasped her mother's neck, pressing a wet cheek against a cheek of satin. "Oh, my baby! My baby! Look at mother!" "I am looking at you," answered Gwendolyn, half sobbing and half laughing. "I've looked at you for a long time. 'Cause I love you so I love you!"
The Man-Who-Makes-Faces stepped to her side hastily. His look was perturbed. "My! My!" he exclaimed under his breath. "She's worse than I thought! much worse." With a little gasp of relief at having him so near, Gwendolyn slipped her trembling fingers into his. "She's worse than I thought," she managed to whisper back. Neither was given a chance to say more.
Gwendolyn lifted terrified eyes for a second look at the brick-colored hair, the blowzy countenance. No possibility of doubt remained! It was Jane! Bobbing and swaying foolishly, the nurse-maid shuffled to her feet. And Gwendolyn, though she wanted to turn and flee beyond the reach of those big, clutching hands, found herself rooted to the ground, and could only stand and stare helplessly.
"And They know so much," explained the little old gentleman, "because the Bird tells 'em." "He tells 'em everything," grumbled the Officer. "They send him around the whole country hunting gossip when he ought to be working exclusively in the interest of Law and Order." Law and Order Gwendolyn wondered who these two were.
The thought had kept Gwendolyn awake for a while, smiling into the dark, kissing her own hands for very happiness; it had made her heart beat wildly, too. For she reviewed all the things she intended broaching to her mother about eating at the grown-up table, and not having a nurse any more, and going to day-school. Contrary to a secret plan of action, she slept late.
And the next instant, with a purr of its engine, and a whirr of its wheels, here into full sight shot forward the limousine! Gwendolyn paled. The half-devoured stick of candy slipped from her fingers. "Oh, I don't want to be shut up in the car!" she cried out. "And I won't! I won't! I WON'T!" She scurried behind the Man-Who-Makes-Faces. The automobile came on.
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