`` I wonder what mamma will say , when we tell her about it , '' said Ned . `` And I wonder if our shadows will come back to us at midnight , and follow us as they used to do , '' added Polly . `` I shall be very careful where I lead my shadow ; 'cause he 's a good little one , and set me a righter zarmple than ever I did him , '' said Will , and then dropped asleep . The others agreed with him , and resolved that their shadows should not be ashamed of them . All were fast asleep ; and no one but the moon saw the shadows come stealing back at midnight , and , having danced about the little beds , vanish as the clock struck twelve . VI . POPPY 'S PRANKS . She was n't a wilfully naughty child , this harum-scarum Poppy , but very thoughtless and very curious . She wanted to see every thing , do every thing , and go every where : she feared nothing , and so was continually getting into scrapes . Her pranks began early ; for , when she was about four , her mamma one day gave her a pair of green shoes with bright buttons . Poppy thought there never was any thing so splendid , and immediately wanted to go to walk . But mamma was busy , and Poppy could n't go alone any farther than the garden . She showed her shoes to the servants , the cat , the doves , and the flowers ; and then opened the gate that the people in the street might see the trim little feet she was so proud of . Now Poppy had been forbidden to go out ; but , when she saw Kitty Allen , her neighbor , playing ball down the street , she forgot every thing but the desire to show her new shoes ; and away she went marching primly along as vain as a little peacock , as she watched the bright buttons twinkle , and heard the charming creak . Kitty saw her coming ; and , being an ill-natured little girl , took no notice , but called out to her brother Jack : `` Ai n't some folks grand ? If I could n't have red shoes for my best , I would n't have any , would you ? '' They both laughed , and this hurt Poppy 's feelings dreadfully . She tossed her head , and tried to turn up her nose ; but , it was so very small , it could n't be very scornful . She said nothing , but walked gravely by , as if she was going on an errand , and had n't heard a word . Round the corner she went , thinking she would wait till Kitty was gone ; as she did n't like to pass again , fearing Jack might say something equally trying .
An organ-man with a monkey was playing near by ; and Poppy was soon so busy listening to the music , and watching the sad-looking monkey , that she forgot home , shoes , and XXXXX altogether .
Allen Jack Kitty Ned Polly VI Will day stealing zarmple