There was a little white
bed in a corner, and a neat chest of drawers, and a wash-stand, all
made by Captain January's skilful hands, and all shining and spotless.
The bare floor was shining too, and so was the little looking-glass
which hung upon the wall. And beside the looking-glass, and above
it, and in fact all over the walls, were trophies and wonders of all
kinds and descriptions. There was the starfish with ten legs, pinned
up in sprawling scarlet; and there, beside him, the king of all the
sea-urchins, resplendent with green and purple horns. And here were
ropes of shells, and branches of coral, and over the bed a great
shining star, made of the delicate gold-shells. That was Daddy's
present to her on her last birthday. Dear Daddy! There, sitting in
the corner, was Mrs. Neptune, the doll which Captain January had
carved out of a piece of fine wood that had drifted ashore after a
storm. Her eyes were tiny black snail-shells, her hair was of brown
sea-moss, very thick and soft ("though as for combing it," said Star,
"it is im-_possible_!"), and a smooth pink shell was set in either
cheek, "to make a blush." Mrs. Neptune was somewhat battered, as Star
was in the habit of knocking her head against the wall when she was
in a passion; but she maintained her gravity of demeanour, and always
sat with her back perfectly straight, and with an air of protest
against everything in general.
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