As if the whispering and rustling had disturbed her , Jill soon began to stir , and slowly opened the eyes which had closed so wearily on the dull December afternoon . The bare wall with its brown spiders no longer confronted her , but the colored print of a little girl dancing to the tune her father was playing on a guitar , while a stately lady , with satin dress , ruff , and powder , stood looking on , well pleased . The quaint figure , in its belaced frock , quilted petticoat , and red-heeled shoes , seemed to come tripping toward her in such a life-like way , that she almost saw the curls blow back , heard the rustle of the rich brocade , and caught the sparkle of the little maid 's bright eyes . `` Oh , how pretty ! Who sent them ? '' asked Jill , eagerly , as her eye glanced along the wall , seeing other new and interesting things beyond : an elephant-hunt , a ship in full sail , a horse-race , and a ball-room . `` The good fairy who never comes empty-handed . Look round a bit and you will see more pretties all for you , my dearie ; '' and her mother pointed to a bunch of purple grapes in a green leaf plate , a knot of bright flowers pinned on the white curtain , and a gay little double gown across the foot of the bed . Jill clapped her hands , and was enjoying her new pleasures , when in came Merry and Molly Loo , with Boo , of course , trotting after her like a fat and amiable puppy . Then the good times began ; the gown was put on , the fruit tasted , and the pictures were studied like famous works of art . `` It 's a splendid plan to cover up that hateful wall . I 'd stick pictures all round and have a gallery . That reminds me ! Up in the garret at our house is a box full of old fashion-books my aunt left . I often look at them on rainy days , and they are very funny . I 'll go this minute and get every one . We can pin them up , or make paper dolls ; '' and away rushed Molly Loo , with the small brother waddling behind , for , when he lost sight of her , he was desolate indeed . The girls had fits of laughter over the queer costumes of years gone by , and put up a splendid procession of ladies in full skirts , towering hats , pointed slippers , powdered hair , simpering faces , and impossible waists . `` I do think this bride is perfectly splendid , the long train and veil are so sweet , '' said Jill , revelling in fine clothes as she turned from one plate to another . `` I like the elephants best , and I 'd give anything to go on a hunt like that ! ''
cried Molly XXXXX , who rode cows , drove any horse she could get , had nine cats , and was not afraid of the biggest dog that ever barked .
Loo afternoon ball-room garret horse-race left petticoat ruff spiders years