The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-09-18

several pa5teDoaru slides, on which my
friend had used her artists brush, and
with door in the opposite end through
which their dollships could enter without
bowling their stately heads as they took
their stand in the boxesi The fashion
of standing prevailed in this opera house
for reasons best known to the interested
parties. My friend explained, sour fam
lily has increased very fast. At first,
whenever the people were invited to our
entertainments they would bring a lady
or gentlemen with them and leave them
with us until our family grew into a
community. We live at Skyville on the
banks of the river Aster, and we have
learned good deal of the geography of
the place, which is almost as real to the
children as Cincinnati. We can tell you
about the different kinds of trees and
shrubs that grow there, and we know
about the animals and birds, too.
"When one OF our doll housekeepers
sends her husband to the butchers, she
never tells him to buy "a quarter of a
yard of steakP like the young wife in the
story, and he knows what he ought to
pay for it, too.
"Mother and call our village utopia,
but we have not taught the children
about that yet. You would smile to hear
the sensible talk in our community.
There is no gossip, we do not allow it.
And we have no old people yet, though
there are plenty of children. That is an
oversight I am afraid. We must have
some grandfathers and grandmothers,
that our young folks may learn how to
treat the aged. But we are young So
ciety, and nobody has had time to grow
DID,"
"You spoke of young lady who SINGS"
suggested.
80 yes" she said, 1--WE have operettas
| once in while, the words being written
by the dolls, assisted by your humble
servant and adapted to the simple melo-
dies familiar to the children. Lulu wrote
the poetry for an operetta lately, which
quite astonishec me.
"Another thing 1 must tell you. Our
young ladies and gentlemen correct each
others manners. Robbie never allows a
gentleman to precede lady on entering
room."
"What is the use OF those stringed in
strumente,' inquired, pointing to two
unique pasteboard structures, to which
long cords were attached. She laughed.
"These were great curiosity to lady
caller the other day." she said. "Once
they we're boxes for holding sets OF Dante
and Holmes. At present they do duty as
coupes for the use Of our ladies in rainy
weather and opera-going."
| Nothing short of a drawing could do
| full justice to these remarkable vehicles.
The box covers were elevated on four
strips of stout pasteboard, and seat of
the same material was occupied by the
paper doll driver, Master Robbie always
being the horse.
My informant proceeded:
"We have popular lectures, too, on all
sorts of subjects, and find our opera
house convenient for all these meetings.
And, perhaps you will not approve, but
we have preaching very often, on Sun
days about twilight, when, as I find, old
and young minds are in a singularly re-
ceptive mood. or course there is min
lister in Skyeville, / cannot tell you of
what denomination, but his name is Rev.
Philip Marsh, and he has wonderful pow
ers of observation. II any of his people
have shown any signs during the week, of
the presence of old Adam, who will some
times visit even Skyeville homes, they are
almost sure to have little good advice
bearing upon the subject, in the next SER
mon, not exactly personal, Rev. Mr..
Marsh is too wise for that.
"But must not take up all this morn
ing with my family story. At another time,
if you care to hear it, you shall be told
about the grand double wedding that We
have planned for midsummer eve l am
honored in being the brides dressmaker,
and am almost reconstructing dilapi-
dated doll, one of Lulu's favorites. The
bride elect is supposed to be in New
York buying her trousseGa.
"When you visit us at Christmas, be
prepared to see the most complete doll
house, of home manufacture, this side
Utopia land
As she led the way back to our quiet
room, she said:
"We are in no hurry to finish every
thing at once. The beauty of this story
is that it goes on I think I shall al
ways love to recall those long cosy twi-
lights before the library fire last winter,
and am sure the children will never for
get the wonderful play that has helped to
develop heart and mind. am undecid-
ed whether am sinking into my second
childhood or have found my vocation"
Silence fell between us. was thinking
of quaint inscription on the house Of
John Wykliffe, "down by the sea-" and
whether "the nexte thinge" had not been
given this women to do as unto himself
by Him who sect little child in the
midst OF them" But wanted words
just then in which to tell her that the
Heavenly Teacher always places his
pupils in the best training school for the
higher service.
Many questioning.
Many fear,
Many doubt,