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Her head bowed low so we couldn't watch her eyes.

"There was another doll, a very handsome young man,

and his arm came off when I tried to take off his coat.

I was whipped, not only for breaking the doll, but for

wanting to see what was underneath the clothes." Chris and I sat silent, but Carrie perked up and

showed great interest in the funny little dolls in their

fancy, colorful costumes. She particularly favored the

baby in the crib. Because she was so interested, Cory

moved so he, too, could investigate the many

treasures of the dollhouse.

That was when Momma turned her attention on

me. "Cathy, why were you looking so solemn when I

came in? Didn't you like your gifts?"

Because I couldn't answer, Chris answered for me.

"She's unhappy because the grandmother refused the

gift we made for her." Momma patted my shoulder

but she avoided my eyes. Chris continued, "And thank

you for everything--there's nothing you didn't remind

Santa Claus to bring. Thank you most of all for the

dollhouse. I think our twins are going to have more

fun with that than anything else."

I fixed my gaze on the two tricycles for the twins

to ride in the attic and strengthen their thin, weak legs

while they pedaled. There were roller skates for Chris

and me to use in the attic schoolroom only. That room

was insulated with plastered walls, and hardwood

flooring, making it more soundproof than the rest of

the attic.

Momma got up from her knees, smiling

mysteriously before she left. Just outside the door she


Tags: V.C. Andrews Dollanganger Horror