Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1888-07-06


leading q little boy, was heard
inquiring for Mrs. DObbs'
residence Of a local policeman. But
the lady was Obdurate to all claims
made on her pity. See had hardened
her heart to destitute cases; and pen
ulless widows or cOusumptlVs fathers
met with scant ceremony at her
hands If their offspring were not de
sirable. After this had gone for q
fortnight or more, Mrs Dobbs one day
visited Messrs. Gri1ham and Grab
ham during business hours.
al have come about the child, Mr..
Grihham," she said, going at once to
her point. ''HOW is it you have sent
me none that are pretty or interest
ing?" From the force of habit, Mrs.
Dobbs was apt to speak diCtatOrial-
! ~ to strangers.
''My dear madam, pray remember
children are not made to order"
Mrs. DObbs WINGED. ''I see must
except no assistance from you, sir"
: she said loftily. No doubt my hus-
I bands opposition to my object has
/ influenced you, will tronble you no
further In this matter. You may con-
slider your quest at an end. Good
morning"
9 Weary OF her undertaking, Mrs.
DObbs had almost resolved to aban-
don her whim. She chewed the cud OF
bitter thoughts on her hOmeWard way
that day. Providence or fortune was
against her success. That evening Mr..
DObbs came home in an unusual de-
gree of haste, and of a cheerful mien
/ Glove" said he, tripping over the
dlnlng-rOOm mat, GIVE found q child
for you"
Mrs. Doobs looked up coldIy. otis
impossible I shall like it" said she
perversely. "NO one wants to part
with a child unless there's something
the matter with it,
Mr. DOObs beamed yet more bright
ly. He was not to be snbdued by any
wet blankets. cts a little boy, and
he is 3 years old, fair, pretty and
most intelligent. His father is Just
dead"
What about his mother2" queried
Mrs. DOObs cautiously.
Josiah Redeemed, stammering a little.
"She-ah, poor souls dead too.
This is no beggar's brat. He is well
born, Dorothy, on one side. can
give you every proof"
The next day the child was brought
TO Clapham and left Clarence Villa
by a clerk from NJ. Dobbs' Office. He
was poorly dressed. but a handsome
little lad, lively and spirited. He was
not at all shy, and addressed himself
freely to the pug and parrot. The
piping treble voice and shrill, childish
laughter touched the maternal chord
In DOrOthy's heart. She went a little
sadly that day while her eyes followed
the child. He stroked her velvet gown
and fingered her rings while he sat,up-
on her knee chatting about the things
around him.
What is your name?" questioned
the lady.
Harry" answered the boy readily.
But nothing more could be elected
from him. He did not seem to under
stand that he could have a second
name. He but baby boy, scarce
Iy three.
In the afternoon Mrs. Dobbs tele-
graphed to her husband that he must
make arrangements for herto keep the
child a day or two. 1t would
not be necessary to send any one
to fetch him that evening. The
day passed quickly, with little feet
pattering beside her, exploring
the wonders of garden and green
houses. Towards z o'clock Mrs.
DObbs began to look anXiOusly for her
spOuse's return. She had quite decid-
ed that she would keep the child but
still there were questions to be asked
-preliminaries to be settled. The bOv
must be hers entirely. None must
ever claim him, or interfere with his
welfare. Mr.. DObbs came leisurely
up the garden at his usual hour, car
rying his hsh-bag. His stOlid face
changed a little VIXEN he looked
through the window and saw the child
on his wIfe's knee.
''He is a pretty boy, Dorothy" he
said pervOusly, when he came near.
"A darling little boy; mean to keep
him, Josiah" she said, gently Olsen
gaging the chubby hands from her
chair ''Wiu you stay with me,
Harry2''
The child laughed gleefulIy. tossing
back his curls.
''Stay with 90; pity, pity flowers"
ne cried clappIug MS hands.
'"Hell me all you know about him,
Josiah What is his parentage, and
will his nearest relatives surrender
ell claim upon him?"
Josiah shifted uneasily in his seat.
He had the appearance of q man OBJ
pressed with guilt.
He is an orphan" said he look
ing speculatively at his own broad
toes.
$50 much the better for me, said
Mrs. DObhs. But I will have no dis
tant relatives hanging about. He
must belong exclusively to me-"
Mr. DObbs drew nearer to his wife.
Dorothy, he ought to belong to
you # to anyone"
The lady put down the child from
her knee. His large blue eyes gazed
in wonder at this sudden rejection.
what Is the boys name2" said
Mrs. DObbs, breathlessly.
Henry he reIOined, slowly.
u
sharply.
..Henrv Morrison He is vnrr sia.