But, on the
whole, considering her age and her timid disposition, they were all
rather surprised at her fortitude.
Schlorge, who was still holding her, was looking very grave. "Sara
will have to frown on her," he said, "as she did on the Zizz."
"But I can't frown, today," cried Sara, in dismay.
"I know it's hard," said Schlorge.
"Or at the Teacup!" pleaded Sara.
"It's your duty, Sara," said the Echo.
"Oh, dear, it's putting off the presents!" sighed one of the oldest of
Avrillia's children; then, as she looked at the poor little gentle,
bedraggled Teacup, with her consanguineous handle, she felt ashamed of
herself, and hid behind her mother's drapery.
As for Sara, she was indeed in distress. "If some of you would only
think of something to make me frown--I can't even think of any
disagreeable things today!"
"You're frowning now!" suddenly cried the First Gunkus, waving his
shoe; and they all forgave him his lack of respectfulness, because he
was plainly so excited.
"Hold her up, Schlorge!" cried Pirlaps, running forward.
"There--Sara--hold that expression--just a moment. Fix your eyes
here--on this leaf! And keep your mind firmly on this thought: 'The
Disagreeable Necessity of Frowning in the Presence of Presents.'"
Sara remembered how brave and useful she had been the day before, and
concentrated her mind by a really tremendous effort.
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