"Je vous tends mon corbillon:  qu’y met-on?" It was the turn now of Yvonne in her bed.  “Comment,” said Jeanne, affecting indignation, “si tu n’etais pas si frileuse tu donnerais ton edredon?” And what about the little poupees polonaises internees, snatched from their beds and carried off without any bedclothes at all, let alone an eiderdown!  Presently, “J’y mets mon edredon,” Yvonne was understood to say, and “Sage!” approved Jeanne.

"Je vous tends mon corbillon:  qu’y met-on? Jacques, mon pauvre ami, tu n’as pas de chance, hein?” There was no help for it; it was the only thing he had that rhymed.  “Imagine la joie des petites polonaises internees!” she urged, taking the necessary action.  “J’y mets mon pantalon,” piped a disconsolate little thread of voice.

"Je vous tends mon corbillon:  qu’y met-on? A vous, Mikadesse!” A beam of pleasure, succeeded by a falling of the countenance, then a look of decision, ended in a “Houp-la!” as the Japanese doll descended into the basket, and was made to say, “J’y mets une poupee du Japon!” After all she was an ally of the little polonaises.

"Je vous tends mon corbillon:  qu’y met-on? Allons, les jumeaux! a vous!” Jeanne thought the twins were really in a plight and that she would have to help them out with a gift, but, quick as thought, Castor seized Pollux, saying, “J’y mets mon compagnon!” and Pollux, divining his intention, grasped Castor, declaring excitedly, “Et moi aussi, j’y mets mon compagnon” And into the basket they leapt together.  “Ils s’entetent a rester inseparables,” sighed Jeanne; “c’est bien.”

"Je vous tends mon corbillon:  qu’y met-on?" Adelaide never had possessed anything worth giving away, and yet she seemed to be suggesting that the contents of the basket did not look very imposing so far, and would hardly be enough to go round among so many little Poles, so Jeanne came to the rescue with gifts of toys until “J’y mets ma contribution!” came jubilantly forth in a voice that forgot to be Adelaide’s.

All had now contributed.  Yet Jeanne had a feeling that somehow it was not the end of the game.  She pondered gravely for a few moments, then, placing herself solemnly before the mirror, she addressed herself:—­

"Jeanne, je vous tends mon corbillon:  qu’y met-on?" After a few seconds she began to see what she ought to do.

“Qu’y mets-tu, Jeanne?” It would be rather hard, but she must do it.

Sitting down and turning up the skirt of her frock, she took each of the contributors, kissed and caressed them, and placed them in her lap.  Adelaide only did she except, explaining to the others, “Oui, mes cheris, je garde Adelaide, car savez-vous bien, c’est elle qui me donne des idees; je prends toujours conseil avec elle.  Alors, n’est ce pas?” Then, carrying the dolls in her petticoat, she solemnly undid the button, let it slip down with the dolls inside, and placed it resolutely in the basket, saying:  “J’y mets mon jupon!”