Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1880-12-30

drawing her closer and giving her one.
two and three kisses, "why don't you
want your cousins and schoolmates in
vitedf" $3.50
"Why, mamma" said Dot, looking
up with surprise, sswhat did papa read
this morning in the BibleP When ye
make feast do not invite your friends
or rich neighbors, for they will invite
you again; but ask the poor, the lame
and the blind. and ye shall be blessed; so
1 want Grandma Baine and Jane Hesler
and Kitty and Molly Flanagan and that
poor little boy, il we can find him"
Mamma answered, cheerily, 1--WE
will try, dear; he said he lived on
Water street. near the wharf, and that
his name was Tommy Dune. prom
ised to come and see his sick mother,
SO we will find him perhaps in time for
New Year Day. I am glad you want
to make these poor people happy,
dear;'' and as Dot jumped down to run
away and tell her dolls about it, Mrs.
Leonard said. with q happy smile,
:. God bless the precious child!"
The sun shone his brightest on Dots
birthday, as if he wanted to help make
the day q happy one; and had you
been SO fortunate as to live opposite
DR.. Leonard's, you would have been
interested in seeing the novel company
arrive.
Dot herself went after Grandma
Baine, whose old wrinkled face fairly
shone with delight, as her little guide
gently led her into the house.
Dots father went for Jane Hesler, and
carried her in his strong arms from the
carriage into the house. The little
Flannigans soon. came. hand in hand.
looking shyly about at the beautiful
house and well-kept grounds.
Last of the guests was Tommy Dune,
no longer ragged and dirty. but clean
and comfortable, smiling with surprise,
as little Miss Dot came to meet him ut
the front door, fearing he would 60
around to the kitchen, as before.
Indoors the happiness was complete.
Dot had decided to wear her plainest
dress, that the others should not feel
uncomfortable by contrast; but she
could not keep the dear little face from
being the sweetest in the world"
mamma thought, as she tied back the
brown curls. and gave ker eight kisses,
and lone to grow on"
Dot had arranged the sitting-room
with especial reference to her friends,
as mamma thought they would feel more
at home there than in the big parlors,
and you would have liked peep in
there, / know.
Grandma Baine sat in a rocking chair
by the west window, where she could
feel the sunshine, and hear Dick, tho
canary, sing right above her head,
while Dot stood BY, and described the
room and the company to her, Jane
Hesler lay in mammals sick-chair, for
the ride had tired her a little, but was
looking happily at the beautiful things
she saw all about her. Dot had put
little table beside the chair. with books
and a portfolio of pictures on it, for
Jane to look at as soon as she was
rested. Molly and Kitty were already
in ecstasies over the babylon
brought down from the nursery, and
could hardly believe their eyes at the
sight of dolls "dressed like rale ladies'"
as Molly said. and the completely furn-
ished house, from looking glass to dust
pan and broom.
Dot had been afraid Tommy
wouldn't feel at home," but he had
in with no sign of bashfulness,
and stood by the fire taking in the COM
forts and beauties of the room with
great satisfaction. Suddenly his eye
caught sight of picture across the
room. 1t was the head of a dog, the
great intelligent eyes seeming to meet
yours with look of friendly recogni-
ton. Immediately he stood in front of
it, his face full of delight, and turning
to Jane he exclaimed, "Aint that
bully?" never seeing Dots look of
amusement and reproof.
DR.. Leonard came home to the sup
per, and helped them all to the dainties
had prepared, as politely and
as il they had been the
Presidents family; and they all went
home with something to remind them
on the morrow of their holiday.
And little Dot was happy.
To be sure, one of the little Flanni-
gans broke her dolls rocking-chair,
and Tommy soiled one of her prettiest
books. But" said Dot, as
she and mamma were talking it over at
II know they had q good
time, and am glad asked them. Do
you know, mamma, / kept hoping all
the time that might he one OF the |
blessed. Youths Companion