asked the rest , staring at one another , much surprised by this sudden announcement . `` Hush ! Speak low , or you will spoil it all . Look in the Bird Room , and tell me if that is n't a prettier Princess than I could make ? '' They all looked , but no one spoke , and Merry added , with sweet eagerness , `` It is the only thing poor Jill can be , and it would make her so happy ; Jack would like it , and it would please every one , I know . Perhaps she will never walk again , so we ought to be very good to her , poor dear . '' The last words , whispered with a little quiver in the voice , settled the matter better than hours of talking , for girls are tender-hearted creatures , and not one of these but would have gladly given all the pretty things she owned to see Jill dancing about well and strong again . Like a ray of sunshine the kind thought touched and brightened every face ; envy , impatience , vanity , and discontent flew away like imps at the coming of the good fairy , and with one accord they all cried , -- `` It will be lovely ; let us go and tell her ! '' Forgetting their own adornment , out they trooped after Merry , who ran to the sofa , saying , with a smile which was reflected in all the other faces , `` Jill , dear , we have chosen another Princess , and I know you 'll like her . '' `` Who is it ? '' asked Jill , languidly , opening her eyes without the least suspicion of the truth . `` I 'll show you ; '' and taking the cherished veil from her own head , Merry dropped it like a soft cloud over Jill ; Annette added the long plume , Susy laid the white silk dress about her , while Juliet and Mabel lifted the scarlet shawl to spread it over the foot of the sofa , and Molly tore the last ornament from her turban , a silver star , to shine on Jill 's breast . Then they all took hands and danced round the couch , singing , as they laughed at her astonishment , `` There she is ! There she is ! Princess Jill as fine as you please ! `` Do you really mean it ? But can I ? Is it fair ? How sweet of you ! Come here and let me hug you all ! ''
cried XXXXX , in a rapture at the surprise , and the pretty way in which it was done .
Annette Jill Juliet Merry Princess Room Susy adornment hours quiver