I do n't see why you should have everything , '' answered Susy , who was at the mirror , putting a wreath of scarlet flowers on her red head , bound to be gay since she could not be pretty . `` I think I 'd better keep the plume , as I have n't anything else that is nice , and I 'm afraid Emma would n't like me to lend it , '' added Annette , who was disappointed that Mabel was not to be the Beauty . '' I do n't intend to act at all ! '' declared Mabel , beginning to braid up her hair with a jerk , out of humor with the whole affair . '' I think you are a set of cross , selfish girls to back out and keep your nice things just because you ca n't all have the best part . I 'm ashamed of you ! '' scolded Molly , standing by Merry , who was sadly surveying her mother 's old purple silk , which looked like brown in the evening . `` I 'm going to have Miss Delano 's red brocade for the Queen , and I shall ask her for the yellow-satin dress for Merry when I go to get mine , and tell her how mean you are , '' said Juliet , frowning under her gilt-paper crown as she swept about in a red table-cloth for train till the brocade arrived . `` Perhaps you 'd like to have Mabel cut her hair off , so Merry can have that , too ? '' cried Susy , with whom hair was a tender point . `` Light hair is n't wanted , so Ju will have to give hers , or you 'd better borrow Miss Bat 's frisette , '' added Mabel , with a scornful laugh . `` I just wish Miss Bat was here to give you girls a good shaking . Do let someone else have a chance at the glass , you peacock ! '' exclaimed Molly Loo , pushing Susy aside to arrange her own blue turban , out of which she plucked the pink pompon to give Merry . `` Do n't quarrel about me . I shall do well enough , and the scarlet shawl will hide my ugly dress , '' said Merry , from the corner , where she sat waiting for her turn at the mirror . As she spoke of the shawl her eye went in search of it , and something that she saw in the other room put her own disappointment out of her head . Jill lay there all alone , rather tired with the lively chatter , and the effort it cost her not to repine at being shut out from the great delight of dressing up and acting . Her eyes were closed , her net was off , and all the pretty black curls lay about her shoulders as one hand idly pulled them out , while the other rested on the red shawl , as if she loved its glowing color and soft texture . She was humming to herself the little song of the dove and the donjon , and something in the plaintive voice , the solitary figure , went straight to Merry 's gentle heart .
`` Poor Jilly ca n't have any of the fun , '' was the first thought ; then came a second , that made Merry start and smile , and in a minute whisper so that all but XXXXX could hear her , `` Girls , I 'm not going to be the Princess .
Annette Emma Jill Ju Juliet Loo Mabel Molly donjon table-cloth