I think I can hear some little tongue ask, "Are these beautiful pictures
really to be seen in the shops, or has the artist only imagined them?"
Every one of these pretty sights is taken from actual windows in New
York, and for days past gay throngs of people have tiptoed and crowded
close to the panes that they might assist at such dainty doll
receptions.
The central scene here is a bit of Venice. There are the bridge and the
stairs and the arches, and there, too, are the ladies and gentlemen
coming in their gondolas to attend a reception at some grand palace.
It is almost as good as going to the circus to look at the fairy figure
standing on the back of yonder spirited steed, with the rows of doll
spectators in the background. I think I like it even better than the
real thing, for one is sure that this little lady has never known a
blow, nor an unkind word, and we are not at all easy in our minds when
we are watching some poor little Queen of the Ring, and holding our
breath at her wonderful leaps.
The little picture entitled "Charity" may be seen in the streets every
cold day. The contrast between the child, with her golden hair and warm
furs, and the barefooted boy, ragged and shivering, who sweeps the
crossings, and holds out his thin hand for a penny, is true to life.
Here is Baby, as large as the one at home in the nursery, her
christening dress on, to be sure, and her bottle in her hands. What
comfort she is taking!
But wouldn't you rather have that sailor lad, whose jaunty air tells you
that he knows every rope in the ship, and can climb the rigging like a
cat?
How graceful are these musicians! and how quaint this coquettish
milk-maid, who will presently give a cup of milk to the high-bred girl
and boy watching her! One can take a history lesson, for just as these
children are dressed were Mistress Dorothy Quincy and his Excellency
John Hancock more than a hundred years ago.
Perhaps our eyes linger longest on the sea-side window, which brings
back memories of the summer. There is the donkey on which Minnie used to
ride; Chloe with her parasol; and the children at play on the sands,
with the waves rolling in.
Well, well, we can not look all day at the shop windows, be they ever so
attractive, for the holidays are full of fun and frolic, and we want to
catch it all.
[Illustration: SCENES IN SHOP WINDOWS, NEW YORK CITY.--DRAWN BY MISS
JESSIE MCDERMOTT.]
[Illustration: HAPPY NEW-YEAR!]