bedroom, the two little girls had a long confidential talk.

“I’ve been just crazy to know you, Maida,” Rosie confessed. “But
there was no way of getting acquainted, for you always stayed in the
store. I had to wait until I could tease mother to buy me a top.”

“That’s funny,” Maida said, “for I was just wild to know you. I kept
hoping that you’d come in. I hope you’ll come often, Rosie, for I
don’t know any other little girl of my own age.”

“You know Laura Lathrop, don’t you?” Rosie asked with a sideways
look.

“Yes, but I don’t like her.”

“Nobody likes her,” Rosie said. “She’s too much of a smarty-cat. She
loves to get people over there and then show off before them. And
then she puts on so many airs. I won’t have anything to do with
her.”

From the open window came the shrill scream of Miss Allison’s
parrot. “What do you think of that?” it called over and over again.

“Isn’t that a clever bird?” Rosie asked admiringly. “His name is
Tony. I have lots of fun with him. Did you ever see a parrot that
could talk, before?”

“Oh, yes, we have several at Pride’s.”

“Pride’s?”