The Doll’s House
Week of January 21, 2008

Chapter Seven:

There is no sleep in the Plantaganet/Dane households. The Plantaganets are upset that Tottie is gone. Emily and Charlotte are strangely restless. They are feeling guilt for having been paid money for Tottie instead of lending Tottie for the exhibition being held to support the Blind Children’s Fund. Emily “felt” Tottie being miserable but didn’t take any notice when she handed her over to Mrs. Innisfree. She believes Mrs. Innisfree offered to pay for Tottie because she was sorry the girls couldn’t get the new furniture for the dollhouse. The girls decide to visit Mrs. Innisfree the next morning. Emily decides they will still get the furniture, but not this way.

Mrs. Innisfree is surprised to see the girls and more surprised when they return the pound note and shilling. They explained that if they don’t get paid for Tottie, the blind children will have more money.

Mrs. Innisfree has an idea. She asks to see the old couch and chairs from the doll house. She explains that parts of the furniture should be good as new if they are quality. After examining the furniture Mrs. Innisfree proclaims that they are, indeed, good solid wood. With some sanding, polishing and remaking of the cushions the furniture will be perfect. Mrs. Innisfree offered to do the tapestry for the chair and have a friend help with the upholstering. Charlotte declares that Mrs. Innisfree reminds her of Tottie.

They asked to peep at Tottie before they left Mrs. Innisfree. Tottie didn’t know what to think. “Is this all a bad dream?” “Am I at home again?” But when Charlotte lifted her up she realized she was in a strange room.

Both girls could feel Tottie wishing but could not understand why she should wish. As they put her back into the box, Tottie heard them say “When does she go to the Exhibition?” “To the Exhibition,” said Tottie in a cry so loud that every knot and grain of her felt twisted, but not a sound came out of the box.
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Poor Tottie--not to know all the marvelous things going on around her. Not to know that the furniture will be made for the dollhouse, and not to know she isn't being traded off at all!
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Emily and Charlotte must be very nice girls. I had the feeling they were from a relatively well to do family and I'm glad they aren't spoiled and selfish. Both of them had second thoughts about what they had done (taking money for Tottie and the sampler to appear at the Exhibition) and knew in their hearts it wasn't right. I was glad when they decided to see Mrs. Innisfree to set things straight. How wonderfully things worked out after they "did the right thing."
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I was really glad to see that too--and even more glad some grown-up didn't just throw them some money to buy the furniture! How much more they will appreciate it if they have to work on it themselves, such as with the sanding.
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The girls’ mother kind of faded into the background after first cleaning up the house with the girls. I don't recall her offering to purchase or even fix the furniture. She must be letting the girls figure out what to do for furniture.
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She must have figured she'd done her part! I like their friend, Mrs. Innisfree. Even the girls think she is like Tottie!
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For some reason I have the impression that Mother may have faded away a bit because she is going to rest a bit and re-appear with the news of a new baby.
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I like Mrs. Innisfree too. She was probably holding her breath, wondering if the girls would change their mind about being paid to exhibit Tottie and the sampler. Mrs. Innisfree certainly turned this into a very positive situation -- the girls felt good about themselves in that they stepped up and did the right thing by returning the money they were paid -- and, thanks to Mrs. Innisfree, they now have a way to get their furniture for the doll house, and they can participate in preparing the furniture and not let someone else do all the work. They are going to appreciate the furniture so much more.

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