The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-03-15
DORIS BABY.
A Brilliant Scheme and It's Happy
Results.

Results.
Subdued Joy pervaded the ''Hotel Lom-
bardia,' at Florence. because it was ru-
mored abroad that Miss Roseleaf's pug
Trotty was in ertrens He was not an at
tractive animal mentally or physically, and
had endeared himself to no one save his
lovely young mistress. His figure was
ruined through overlooking; he had lost one
eye in bygone tussle with butchers cat,
and the other optic glared at the world with
a sinister expression from out the black
patcn upon his countenance. Had he not
mouthed Major Winkham's slipper into an
unpleasant pulp, and retired under Miss
PilchcrtOn's bed, there to snore and frighten
that lady into spasms! He had also
snatched a biscuit out of the hand of infant
innocenoe-the mother of said innocence
passing sleepleSs night wondering if it
were not well to send for Pasteur, to be
quite sure that the bite was no more than
biscuit
For all these misdemeanors, Miss Rose
leaf apologized with grace so charming,
that the malcontents were seen to stop on
the stairs to stroke Trotty, and tell him he
was a dear little fellow, so he was-the same
trophized as hideous, squab-legged, over
fed, vicious-tempered brute.
But how could they do else than melt,
with Doris Roseleaf's sweet eyes caressing
them from under the shade of her big toss
ing-plumed hat and the shellpink on her
cheeks deepened to a warm sunset rose at
praise of her ill-favored petl
eyes, Doris is so foolishly fond of the
dog, I'm Obliged to put up with him; but he
is great nuisance, to be sure, particularly
in travelling. When we start for the Tyrol
next week there will be the usual harrow
ing scene-the railway people refusing to let
Trotty go in the carriage with US, Doris in
tears, and at last fee to pay, or a bribe,
that really breaks my heart. We can not
afford such foolish outlay. wish something
would happen to the wretched animal; he
has lived quite long enough" In the above
words, Mrs. Roseleaf had been wont to ex-
press her chief grievance to a mixed audi
ence for years. Now that destiny, in the
shape of cramps and stiff neck, seemed
close upon the heels Of Trotty, Mrs. Rose
leaf inwardly rejoiced, but maintained hy-
pocritical attitude of concern in the presence
of her daughter
II believe it would be well to send for a
Trotty some chlorofOrm, or something to end
his sufferings," b" she said to Doris and, in an
aside TO a friend, added: Il grudge the ex-
pense but it would be such relief to have
the little brute surely done for, once and for
all"
A few hours later, as Mrs. Roseleaf re-
turned from walk, Doris met her with a
radiant face, crying: 20, mamma, Trotty is
So ,nuoh hattarf going In Y-a.ooyar ond ha hot
ter and stronger than ever before, the doctor
says"
''What doctor!'
''Why, the vet. you said we ought to send
for. l had him come while you were away,
and he must be wonderfully clever man
he has certainly saved Trotty's life. He
asked fifteen francs, but had to give him
twenty, as you had nothing smaller in your
purse, and couldn't ask him for five francs
change Mamma, don't believe that YOU
are one bit glad that poor Trotty is better ~
and tears welled over in the lovely violet
eyes which worked such havoc in the mother
most of all.
'Yes-yes, child, I'm very glad,'' the
mendacious old lady answered, but her
looks belied her words. Twenty francs
more paid for making the dogs life surer
than before and believed he would be dead
tonight. All, me! and that dreadful Journey
impendingr' was the burden of her thoughts.
Mama" said Doris, one morning, break
ing in upon her parents perusal Of ''She,' ~
al have a brilliant idea for making the
journey easy for US all. Miss Willis told me
she gave her cat an opium powder once, be
fore taking him on thirty-si hours Journey
in the train. He dozed all the time in his
basket, quiet as a lamb, and the guard
thought he was luncheon"
Il suppose you mean to give Trotty ar
opium powder, but / fear the guards car
scarcely be induced to mistake him fol-
luncheon
mo, they will be otherwise deceived
Trotty is to be given big powder to keeJ
him quiet, and he is then to be dressed as ;
baby, laid on pillow, and with a vail ovel
his face is to cross the frontier Perk shal
carry him.
Doris, do you think l would ever consen
to such preposterous ideas 1t isn't respect
able. What would people say and think
Put such nonsense out of your head at once
beg of you"
Not bit of it, mamma, dear; the idea i
too excellent one to let slip. You will b
be of my opinion quite, when you have al
lowed yourself time to reflect. The Staun
DOuS nuISS Is SOliiS W 4SIU me u pretty pll
low with lace and embroidery, and one O
their baby's dresses, and cap. Your chud
dah will do to wrap around his body. Tin
will dress him and tie him on the pillow il
quite the orthodox way. 1t will be grea
fun; Perks face will be treat when sh
hears that she has got to carry Trott
masquerading as baby.
Poor Mrs. Roseleaf's face was clouded aa
sad as rscing-day at Baden-Baden. Sh
knew perfectly well that Doris would carr
her point-she always yielded to the child
and what dreadful results might not folloy
this last escapsde! But in this instance, a
in thousands of others, the weak old lad
decided there was nothing to do but max
the best of bad bargain, and she took
limp interest in the preparations for wha
seemed to be q most novel undertaking.
The nightof the Roseleafs departure froI
the "Iombardis," chosen few were aske