The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1888-03-01

sake" was her " atchword; and, as she
watched the dear face day by day. she
rejoiced to see the weary look gradual
ly disappear, and the shadow under
i the eyes grow less apparent
! Nellie, who in her heart considered
her elder sister perfection, was quick
TO follow her example; and the boys,
almost unconsciously, grew to be more
heedful of mothers comfort.
Mrs. Mavnard wandered at the
change. She found the loying care of
her eldest daughter very sweet, and
grew to depend Oh her more and more.
Her mother-eyeS saw quickly when
Dorothy was tired, and she Insisted on
her going out, as usual, in the after
! noon. Dorothy always went, and
came home bright and full of fun.
/ So the weeks and months passed
away. On looking back, Dorothy
wondered where the time had flown.
She thought this last summer had been
the happiest she had ever known.
One morning, on entering the din
ing-room, Mrs. Maynard was greeted
with a chorus of:
MANY happy returns of the day."
Mother, did you forget it is your
birthday"
''See what have for you, mamma;
and | made it all myself" said Doro-
thy, as soon as she could be heard.
"Auntie was here yesterday, when you
were out, and she wants US to cele.
brate your birthday by taking dinner
with her"
This was soon settled. They ali
went over the next day. and of course
9 E't..a1 L inn FOL
lures. Charlie, when it was over
cried:
81 think we all owe you a vote of
thanks. auntie, for what, without ex-
aggeration, may be called q tip-top
dinneri'
Hear, hear" murmured Frank.
"Yes, auntie, it was splendid, Special
ly tie pudding" said Nellie.
The pie, l say" put in Gus.
Mrs. Maynard laughingly shook her
head at the children.
"Auntie is very kind" she said.
''Well," observed Aunt Dorothy,
complacently. thanks are always
agreeable, of course. Pm glad you
all enjoyed your dinner, only-I did
not cook it.
WHAT"
"Who did?"
''It cooked itself, suppose"
''Why. what do you mean?"
They all spoke but Dorothy and
Frank. Her cheeks were flushed, and
her dancing eyes were hidden by their
long lashes. His eyes were on her
face. and their expression was half
laughing and wholly tender.
Il mean just what say" answered
Aunt Dorothy. with quiet enjoyment.
Il did not cook the dinner we have
just eaten-no, nor did help one mite.
If you want to know who did make
everything, from soup to dessert, look
around the table, and see if you can
guess"
They all obeyed, and each pair of
eyes stopped at the young girls tell
tale face
Congratulations poured in on all
sides, and Charlie let out that he had
known the secret a long time.
Dorothy smiled up at him, and
blushed prettily, but did not speak.
Didn't you long to tell?" demanded
Nellie. tuding voice at last
''Yes, did! but / wanted to wait till
had something worth telling; and
then auntie thought it would be nice
surprise for mothers birthday"
But why did you do it?". repeated
Gus, whose curiosity was not yet sat-
is1ied.
Aunt Dorothy answered.:
''For what seems to be a most ex-
cellent reason; she did it for her moth
er's sake"
Mrs. Maynard pressed the little hand
that rested in hers; Gus, looked at
Dorothy with a new respect; Nellie re-
garded her with a species of awe, and
therewas Il suspicious CLEAN INT Charities
eye as he joined the chorus.
That evening, as he walked home
with her, in the starlight, Frank asked
Dorothy a question.
"Yes," she answered, clasping both
hands about his arm in a pretty, ca
ressing way, ''some day; but not for
long time, Frank. Mother" with a
happy smile, would miss me now,
you know. So we will wait; won't we,
dear?"
How good you arep' he exclaimed,
kissing the little face appraised to his.
Eyes, I can wait, my darling, now 1
know you are mine"