HOW THE DAY WAS CHANGED

By MARY E. BAMFORD


Ralph and Emma and little Paul were sitting in a big circle. There were
others in the circle, too. There were the eight dolls, and the little
wooden dog that squeaked, and the fuzzy little rabbit that squeaked, and
the lop-eared toy donkey, and the tiny elephant that stood alone. So
many toys, and yet nobody seemed happy but baby Paul, who was trying to
swallow his two little thumbs.

[Illustration: _So many toys and yet nobody seemed happy but baby
Paul._]

In the middle of the circle was a tray with little dishes, and Emma held
a tiny cup in her hand, for the children were just finishing a
make-believe dinner party that had water and two apples for
refreshments.

"Winter parties, when its raining outdoors, aren't much fun," grumbled
Emma.

"It'd be lots nicer if we could have our party outdoors, and pick apples
off trees," grumbled Ralph.

"Twees," echoed baby Paul, trying to swallow his thumbs.