`` 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 Loo , who rode cows , drove any horse she could get , had nine cats , and was not afraid of the biggest dog that ever barked . `` I fancy ` The Dancing Lesson ; ' it is so sort of splendid , with the great windows , gold chairs , and fine folks . Oh , I would like to live in a castle with a father and mother like that , '' said Merry , who was romantic , and found the old farmhouse on the hill a sad trial to her high-flown ideas of elegance .
`` Now , that XXXXX , setting out for some far-away place , is more to my mind .
Merry box cats course girls grapes horse plan pleasures ship