It took a while for me to get used to having a servant, but it was a pleasant adjustment. The Lark, as the town began to call the girl, was growing dirtier each day. She was an embarrassment to the household. I couldn't even believe she was allowed inside to sleep because of her foul smell and ugly visage.
One day, many years later, near Christmas, I was walking outside, admiring all of the small shops and carts of items that opened up for the season. One of the stands had magnificent, handmade dolls, and as I walked past, I was stopped in my tracks. One of the dolls was so breathtakingly beautiful, I just had to have it!
"What're you lookin' at?" A man asked me.
This man must own the cart full of dolls, I thought. Maybe if I'm really nice to him, he'll let me have one for free! "Hi, mister! I'm just looking at your pretty dolls! Are you the man that made them?"
"Yeah, do ya have enough money to buy 'em?" He asked.
"Well, no... You see, my family is really poor and we can't afford much. I was hoping I could get one to bring to my sister for Christmas. My parents can never afford to buy us any presents, so it would be really nice if I could at least bring one to my younger sister," I lied quite convincingly. My eyes even started tearing up. I definitely had some of my father in me.
"Oh, what a sweet young girl! 'Ere, take my best doll!" The man said, handing me the one I was eyeing earlier. "And take this hat, too. I don't need it."
I took the doll and the blue hat he gave to me, smiling eagerly. "Thanks so much, sir! I know my sister will love it!"
I skipped back to the inn, trying to suppress my joy. Father will be so proud, I thought!