Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1878-05-09

detached from the train, which
moved a safe distance from the
tongues of fire that threatened uni
versal destruction.
| 1T is only the inside which has Ia.
ken fire, but the flames are now un-
der control' was the hurried expls
nation of the conductor as he passed
through and was assaulted on all sides
by pale faces and affrighted voice 8.
| The fire in the stove around which
many lowered had been recklessly
quencbed by an excited female, who
poured the contents of water cool.
or upon it; and the wind and snow.
as it drifted in from the door. made
it very cold. Mothers wrapped their
infants up in large shawls. Even
the pit monkey who lad become
frightened at the excitement. had
ceased its chatter and sat perched
upon an iron bar above the window.
Poor Dot seemed friendless and alone
She sat buried in the corner Of the
seat with scared little face, and
pulled the fur of her coat collar high
above her ears She had brought no
extra wrapings, and the wind, as it
whistled in the crack, made her
shlver. But the scene after the ex-
citement subsidized was slowly driven
from her mind. Her eyelids Drop
ped and she fell into deep slumber.
Pleasing fancies followed by horri
BILE visions chased one another
through her bewldered brain. She
opened her eyes as as the bell clang-
ed and the whistle blew shrilly. and
Bloomdale was called out. She felt
a sense of comfort and warmth She
looked curiously about her. A heavy
shawl was wrapped around her, and
her head rested against firm shout
der. She started up, her face BENIN
ing with shame, when she perceived
she had made comfortable nap
against the arm of a gentleman who
had been i all probability too polite
to remove it when she, ir S.er sleep
bad fallen sideways.
She essayed an apology, but the
words died away when she beheld
the face of Professor Strathton look.
ing down. at her. His fur collar was
drawn closely against his face, and
the seal skin cap pulled down over
his ears.
ooh Professor Strathton,' she
cried as he picked up her valse and
lifted her upon the platform. But
pair of arms were about her neck
and the voice of Lou was calling her
dear littlo Dotty.' She looked anx.
lously about her for the professor,
but he had vanished in the crowd.
Who are you looking for p asked
Lou with little jealousy, when she
saw Dot eagerly scanning the throng
oh nobody replied Dot,a guilty
blush mounting to her forehead as
she looked down and found she etill
wore the heavy shawl
The large family carriage stood
waiting. The sleek, shining horses
were paving the snow impatiently
as the driver held open the door for
the young girls to enter. Dots eyes
dllated with pleasure when they
neared the substantial old fashioned
house OF Levi Morton. 1t stood well
back from the street and was sur
rounded by wide grounds and high
forest trees. 1t had a certain home
like air about it which quite defer.
ed from the large modern built stone
mansion of Judge May sitaat.
ed upon g fashionable avenue and
walled in on either side by aristo-
cratic houses. The wide front door
was thrown open and Mrs. Morton
embraced the weary little traveller.
whose small form was completely
lost in the huge shawl which fell in
sweeping trails about her feet.
'Where is Bob p asked Mrs. Nor,
ton after they were seated before
the bright open fire, which burned
with a rudy glow from the large
open fireplace. Il thought he was
coming home with you.
oh replied Lou, with little
yawn, as she rested her slender feet
upon the iron fender she said be
would be home in time for tea. That
is all ! could squeeze out of him.
Some men are so disagreeable when
you try your best to be poIite,' she
concluded with dlsdainiul toss of
her brown curls.
Bob was his mothers net, and a
shade of sadness stols ove1 the gem
tie face when Lou spoke at all dis
paragingly Of him. A single buggy
drove past the window and stopped
before the side door.
Come cried Lou, grasping Dot by
the hand and dragging her from the
room. The monarch and his guest
are at the door Let us fly to the
upper region and survey ourselves
in the glass before appearing in their
august presence. And by tho way
Dot, guess who is coming to tea p
she continued as she arranged her
wavy tresses. sAn old admirer of
yours. know you will shed briny
tears of joy. 1t is none other than
the adorable Felix Smart. You
know he spent his summer holidays
here with Bob last year, and talked
of no one but you. And this is to
be his farewell before sailing for En-
rope
Dot tried to look glad and excited
but she felt that her interest for Fe-
lix had dwindled to almost indiffer-
ence. The tea bell put an end to
the conversation, and they slowly
descended the long flight of stairs.
sIf | only knew him. whispered
Lou 81 know that shall make some
silly speech, and have Bob laughing
at me from behind his cup. He al
ways does that
The family and guests were as
sembled 10 the parlor waiting for
the girIs. Bob was standing BY the
door, when Lou uttered nervous
little squeal as she entered the room
He turned, and for the first time for
two long years saw Dot, who follow
ed little timidly. He stood on tip.
toe and looked up at the chandelier,
and then down at the small figure |
whose head just reached bis elbow,