"I should like to do a very little, if you will take this silver
threepenny; but I do not think it would be right for me to spare one
penny more, for all I can afford is very much wanted at home."
"What shall we have for treasury?" said Hal, looking round.
"I know!" cried Susan. "Here, in the baby-house; here's the Toby,
let's put it inside him."
The so-called baby-house was an old-fashioned cupboard with glass
doors, where certain tender dolls, and other curiosities, playthings
too frail to be played with and the like, were ranged in good order,
and never taken out except when some one child was unwell, and had to
stay in-doors alone.
Toby Fillpot was a present from Nurse Freeman. It was a large mug,
representing a man with a red coat, black hat, and white waistcoat,
very short legs, and top-boots. The opening of the cup was at the
top of his head, and into this was dropped all the silver and pence
at present mustered, and computed to be about four shillings.
"And, Miss Fosbrook, you'll not be cross about fines?" said Johnnie,
looking coaxing.
"I hope I shall not be cross," she answered; "but I do not engage to
let you off any.
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