So ended the reign of terror which the Officer and his Soldiers had established over the toy-shop. And so universal was the relief experienced after the strain that had been felt, that the Elephant was everywhere hailed as a Friend to the Public. Indeed, during the remainder of his stay in the shop, he was treated with greater respect and deference than any other toy,--Father Christmas only excepted,--and when he left at Christmas-time, the regret expressed was both loud and sincere. CHAPTER V "I am a little bit sorry for the Officer," said the little girl. "He must have been a good deal hurt. And he must have felt very silly, too," she added. "Almost worse than being hurt, isn't it?" said the little Marionette. "Yes, I was a little sorry for him myself; but I think he deserved all he got." "Yes; because he _was_ a horrid bully, wasn't he?" said the little girl. "And his men, too, were as bad as he. I always used to like toy-soldiers. I never shall again." "I should not like you to judge of all soldiers by the wooden ones I have told you of," said the Marionette. "We _have_ had in the shop sets of wooden and tin soldiers of the highest character; gallant fellows, beloved and esteemed by all. I will tell you of them to-morrow if you like." The little girl considered a moment. "I think," she said at length, "I would rather hear something quite different for a change. If you do not mind," she added politely. "Not in the least," replied the little lady. "I shall think of a story that shall have nothing to do with soldiers, good, bad, or indifferent." So on the morrow when they met again the Marionette said: "I have thought of quite a different sort of story to the one I told you yesterday." "Thank you," said her little friend. "Please begin." "Yes," she said as the little Marionette remained silent. "Yes--yes--_do_ begin!" "Patience, patience! I am just considering for a moment if I have the story correct in every respect. It is now some time since it happened, and one's memory is apt to play one tricks when one is telling stories of other people. But I think I remember it correctly. So I will begin without further delay the history of: 'The Little Dancer.'" THE LITTLE DANCER There never was a prettier dancer than the Little Dancer of the frizzy dark hair, and the blue tulle dress with silver spangles. Forward, backward, forward, backward went her little feet with rapid, dainty movement, whilst the small musical-box--on the top of which she gracefully danced--tinkled, tinkled, tinkled out its gay little tune, and all the Toys watched her with the greatest delight. Truly she bewitched all who saw her, and gained much admiration. But she was very modest, and not at all conceited, so that she was not only admired but also loved; which, as you will agree, is far better.