But the Plynck was so puzzled that she said nothing at all. However,
when she was leaving the Garden, Sara heard her say to the Teacup, as
she slipped on an iris-colored kimono and shook down her back plumes,

"I think I won't break any rules tomorrow. I think I'll just rest."





Chapter VII
Accepting an Invitation


The next morning Sara took with her only the Kewpie and the Baby. The
Japanese doll was perfectly willing either to go or stay; he was not
at all temperamental, and anything suited him. She could tell from the
Billiken's smile that he didn't mind staying in the least; and the
Brown Teddy-Bear looked tired. He couldn't talk, of course, on the
everyday-side of the ivory doors; but with the new insight she had
acquired into his character, Sara felt sure his expression meant, "I
think I'd rather just sit in the corner. At my age a little excitement
goes a long way." As for the Kewpie, Sara was determined to take him,
as a reward for the distinguished fortitude he had shown the day
before; and the Baby, on the other hand, had behaved so badly that she
felt uneasy about leaving him. If he should act that way again--for
instance, when Lucy disturbed him in dusting the room--why, Lucy might
spank him! So the Kewpie was rewarded for being good, and the Baby was
rewarded for being bad, and Sara slipped through the ivory doors with
both of them tucked under one arm.