“I like it quite well myself,” he replied getting up and looking at the work cap which Margaret was about to trim with the rickrack braid. “How does your cap go on your head, My Lady?” he asked. “It has an elastic in the casing and is just a plain round cap,” answered Margaret. “The frill falling around your face will look very sweet with these little white points on it,” Sir Bodkin said looking admiringly at his little mistress. “In fact you’ll look like a princess and you are one, anyway, for: “No queen or princess holds more sway, Or has more subjects loving, Than she who makes the home more gay And daily tasks is doing. Now any child with loving heart And willing hands, though royal, May find a kingdom right at home With subjects fond and loyal.” [Illustration: “I’ll need to wear my apron gay”] “Do you really think that!” cried Margaret delightedly, with a tiny lump in her throat. “Yes, My Lady,” he answered. “Well, this braid is all basted on now,” she soon told him. “Runner can step it down for you or it can be sewed on the machine, just as you say,” said the King. “I think the machine would be stronger for the wash-tub, don’t you?” she asked him. “Perhaps it would,” said Sir Bodkin. “There is another set to do to-morrow and it is just like this one only pink. Then I’ll have two,” Margaret said happily. “My Lady will be a regular little housewife, soon,” smiled the King. “Yes, I want to be one,” Margaret said putting Baster in the pincushion, “and when I help Mother after school I’ll slip on my apron to keep my dress neat, for: “Spots are ugly things to see On clothes that should so dainty be. When I help Mother every day, I’ll need to wear my apron gay.” CHAPTER XX THE DOLL’S CHRISTMAS PRESENT [Illustration] Margaret had been very busy all the fall. Now that Thanksgiving was over the little girl turned her thoughts towards Christmas and Christmas presents. She was making a present for her doll. It was a little cover for the doll’s bed and one for the pillow. They were made of cream-colored muslin and had designs stamped on them in black lines, which were to be embroidered in a colored embroidery cotton. “I know she’ll like a bed-cover, ’cause her bed hasn’t any to make it look pretty after it’s made up in the morning,” said Margaret to herself. “She’s a very good child and should have a nice gift.” [Illustration] “Sir Bodkin, Sir Bodkin, I need your help to-day, To work out this picture In colors so gay!” sang Margaret to the tiny King in her work-basket. “I’m singing everything now, just like the One-Eyes,” she laughed to herself.