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This is a story of two little girls, Clara and Louise, and a doll named Pippo. The story takes place in Austria, many years ago. How long ago? Well, to give you an idea, Louise's great-great grand-daughter is today about the same age Louise was when this story takes place, which is at Christmas, when both girls were eight years old.
Clara and Louise were friends. They saw each other at church and at school, and they lived near each other. Clara's father was a minister for the government; he was very busy and often traveled to Vienna. Louise's father was a cartwright; this is someone who makes and repairs carts and wagons. Louise's father was also busy, because back then people had no cars, and relied on horses and carriages to get about.
Clara had two older brothers; she lived in a large house with servants to help with the cooking, the cleaning, and the gardening. Louise had a baby sister; her home was much smaller. They had no servants. Her mother couldn't leave the house to work, but at home, in the evenings, she did some work for the milliner in town. A milliner is someone who makes hats.
The story starts on Christmas Eve. In Austria, as in many countries, this is a big night. After church the families go home and have a big feast. Then everyone opens their presents! Both girls were very excited.
"I'm going to get new clothes, and lots of toys," said Clara. "And a doll; I get a new one every year. But who cares about dolls? When I'm older, maybe ten, my father said I can have a pony of my own!" Louise was quiet; she wished she could have a doll. "My own pony! My own pony!" Clara sang, and she skipped to the door where her parents were waiting to go home. |
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