I was shown into the parlor--a comfortable room, back of which was a most home-like apartment, called the study. As I sat there, awaiting Mrs. Bachelor's coming, I noticed that her husband's desk, which stood in the center of the study, was strewn with dolls, and paraphernalia closely related thereto. My observations were interrupted by the entrance of Mrs. Bachelor, who welcomed me in her cordial, cheery way. A minute later Mr. Bachelor came in, and gave me what was for him, a most friendly greeting. He excused himself in a little while, and went into his study. He had, so his wife explained, been ill with a cold for a day or two, and had been working at home the while, to make ready for the approaching trial of an important case.
Upon his entering the study, a scene occurred which I shall endeavor to give you as near to the life as possible. As a matter of course he steered directly for his desk, and his eye immediately fell upon a quantity of grandchildren, variously disposed thereon.
"Well, I declare!" he exclaimed; "if this isn't outrageous!" and he gathered up the whole crop--there were fully a dozen dolls, in all stages of development, and much doll furniture, and toggery of all kinds.
After dumping the obnoxious elements on to a divan, he returned to his desk, and with much grumbling sorted out his law-papers, and went to work. But soon after he had cleared his visage, as it were, his small daughter--a pretty child, four years old--ran into the room hugging two puggy puppies, and two kittens of tender age. It did not take her long to grasp the situation. Running to the divan, she uttered a series of cries, indicative both of alarm and displeasure.
"What--what--what is the matter?" said Mr. Bachelor, who had probably forgotten his offense by this time.
"You naughty papa!" cried the child; "what did you disturve my dollies for?"
"What did you put them on my desk for?" queried her father indignantly; "the idea! I haven't a spot on earth I can call my own."
"You've just mussed their best frocks all up," continued the child, who, without paying the slightest attention to her father's vigorous protest, was rapidly replacing her family, puppies, kittens, and all, on the desk.
"I tell you I can't have them here! I have important papers around, and I must be allowed to work in peace. Take them off!"
He started to sweep them on to the floor, but the little girl uttered a shriek.