The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1884-02-07
DORA'S FETE.

1t was Dora's birthday, the tenth of
her young life. and on the morning of
her anniversary, full of wise import
ance, she came bounding into the di-
ning-room, where all were assembled
at breakfast.
MANY happy returns of the dayP'
several voices echoed, and as she went
round the room, she was warmly greet
ed by her young brothers and sisters.
Some presents, tokens of their love,
were placed beside her plate, and on
the chair rested box, which she open
ed with much trepidation.
Inside, carefully wrapped in wool,
lay lovely wax doll, pink and white
beauty with bright golden hair.
'sOh, how prettyr' she cried. "But
who is it frompn with an enquiring
look at the group gathered round.
ST don't know. But see! here is a
note inside" Mrs. Thorn said, giving
her tiny letter which had lain on Dol
ly's feet
Opening it eagerly. Dolly read:
''To my dear little god-daughter; wishing
Dorothy Kester."
my godmother?" Dora gasped in
surprise.
Eyes, and you must take great care
of her present; it is very kind of her re-
membering you, especially as she has
not seen you for SO long, Mrs. Thorn
said gently.
Dolly was taken out, caressed, and
admired by the youthful members of
the family, and Mrs. Thorn, wishing to
give the children pleasure, promised to
give them some material to dress it in.
You can help. 1t will be a nice
amusement for you," she added; and
after, when they were in their nursery,
she came and gave to each tiny gar
ment to make for the doll.
Very happy were the children, and
their little tongues moved as quickly
as their fingers.
Only one remained silent, and she
with dark frown knitting her pretty
brow, looked enviously at the happy
possessor of the doll.
Aren't you going to help us, FanP"
Dora asked, with pleasant smile.
Fan pouted, and tossed her head
scornfully.
mo, not /; you don't suppose / am
going to spend my time working for a
doll that does not belong to me-"
"But, Fan, it is as much yours as
mine; you know we always share
our toys. All will play with it, only
/ shall be the mamma, and you all
aunts," Dora said gently.
But the frowning face did not clear,
sullen look crept into her eyes, as
she went to the farther end of the room
apart from them all.
What is it's name to beP" Jessie
asked.
II don't know; have not thought of
it."
''Oh, but she must be christened,"
Beda, the youngest, added.
"Yes, most decidedly. And you
must have real christening. 1 will
be the Clergyman and Harry, Dora's
elder brother, came over to his sisters,
reused to sudden interest.
what splendid idea. Ned can be
godfather. But who win be her god
motherP" Jessie cried.
II will ask Cousin Violet to be one,
you know am godmother to her doll.
VIII you be the otherPo Dora asked,
turning to Fan, who had drawn near to
hear the conversation.
A brighter look crossed her face, but
she wavered moment ere she answer
ed, "Yes, if you IKE, in tone of con-
descension.
THAT is right; now we will ask man.
ma," Dora said with relieved smile,
for her tender little heart bad been hurt
at her sisters Indifference to her pleas
ure
The permission was readily granted
by Mrs. Thorn; she also added, that in
honor of the event, the children should
have tea-party; and might invite a
few young friends.
''It will be quite fete," Jessie cried
rapturously.
The great day at last arrived, but it
was not until the afternoon that the
children, full of excitement brought
dolly, dressed in all the splendor of
white lace and satin bows, to the sum-
mer-house, there to receive their
guests.
At the end of their long garden, di-
viding it from the green meadows, q
silvery river ran, spanned by tiny
moss-grown bridge.
lu6T0 lb WAS dTEdupeu tHdI UOily
christening was to take place, so head
ed by Harry, in his character of minis
ter. and Dora, bearing carefully in her
arms the waxen infant, the procession
proceeded through the garden.
Fan. who seemed quite to have for
gotten her former envy. was laughing
and chatting merrily with her fellow
sponsor. bright rosy-cheeked girl of
Oora's own age.
Name this child" came in a solemn
voice, from Harry, as they stood group
ed around.
An exclamation of dismay broke from
many lips, and Dora gazed at Fan,
then at Violet, in alarm-in the hustle
OF arranging dolly's wardrobe, she had
forgotten to give it name
"What people you arer' Harry said
scornfully; ''oring baby to be christ
ened, and don tiknow what to name it,
Make haste! say Susanna"
A Mortified NO" broke from all
present; the idea of calling that beauty
by such q name!
.As we are its godmothers, it ought
TO be called after usr' Violet suggest
ed.
''Yes, so it ought! Then we will say,
Violet Frances Dorothy" Dora said
ioYfullY.