The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1891-04-11
LITTLE MISS DOT.
How She Became Miss Dorothy
to Earl Wellman.
-s.Miss Dorothyl Miss Dorothyy"

who called was very angry at not re-
.eeiving an answer, for she snatched up
n large sun hat and with long, rapid
strides strobe down the broad driveway.
At the gate she paused, and with up
lifted hand shielding her face from the
hot, glaring sun, she eagerly scanned
the acres of green lawn that stretched
before her.
Miss Dor-o-thyn
ayes, yesl I'm coming. Wait min
ute, please" and, with swift, flying
footsteps, young girl came bounding
across the lawn. A noble hound and
skye terrier followed, leaping on her
at every step she took.
down, Ponto! Fritz, you bad dogl
Sec what you have done to INV dress"
and she looked rather ruefully at the
large rent in the white muslin-white
once, but now torn and bedraggled
with mud.
well, / never!' and the elder wom-
an held up both hands in amazement
Never saw such sight! Is that it?"
1t was a sweet, laughing voice that
asked the question. But the warm,
flushed face was more so-round and
piquant, sparkling with life and anima-
tion- Her head was uncovered, but the
short, brown hair clustered about it in
soft, loving tendrils.
Il have been romping with the dogs,
Mrs. Grey. 1t was warm work, though,
and do wish l had fan. Oh, may
have your hat?" and, merrily laugh
ing, the tempestuous girl ruthlessly
snatched the hat from the astonished
woman.
well, / neverr'
At this second amazed ejaculation
the dimpling sprite threw back her
head, sending out peal after peal of
clear, irresistible laughter
There, Mrs. Grey, 1 feel more COM
Portable" and she placed the hat back
carefully. "Thanks-but oh, forgot
YOU called me. For what am wanted,
please?"
''Mr. Wellman wishes to see you, but
you can't go to him with your dress in
that condition"
'Guardyr' and the hot, vivid color
rushed DER cheek and brow, "but / can
not help It if l do look $3.50 wild. He
knows that l never look and act like
other girls. Down, Ponto! Fritz, come
on!' and without stopping, she bounded
up the massive stone steps, both dogs
following; pretty picture of innocent,
girlish grace and abandon. With a
qniek, impetuous movement she threw |
open the study door, glancing half |
doubtfully and trifle timidly at the |
figure reclining in the large easy chair
'"Ah, little Miss Dot, you have re-
turned. Been romping as usual. Now
confess and an amused, playful smile
curved Earle Wellman's lips.
"You are right, Guardy Look!'' and
she held out the torn gown.
ooh, Dot" laughing softly, what a
wiid-flower you are! 1 heard Mrs. Grey |
call you Miss Dorothy and as l saw
You tearing across the lawn, the dogs at
your heels, could not help smiling
Such grand name for a little holden,
6rimful of life and mischief Miss
Dorothy, indeed! Nothing but Little
Miss Dot will suit you. 1t is short,
Just like
''Stop" and tiny foot came down
angrily. 81 know I'm short, but you
need not tell me, and as for my name,
what's in a name anyway" and she
tossed back one awry curl in angry inn
patience.
IA great deal, Miss Dot" and Dot
Baker looked up in surprise, wondering
at the cold hauteur she saw pictured in
the strong manly face bending over her
"a face that could be chillingly cold or
irresistibly winning.
Little Dot, see what | have here"
and his face softened visibly, as he
stepped to the sofa and threw back
white coverlid, revealing the sweet,
aiimpled face of a sleeping child.
With low cry of delight, Dot fell on
her knees before it.
Where did she come from, Guardy?"
and Dot hid her face in the mass of soft
FLANNEL.
y do not know, Dot. | found this
basket in the hall. In it was this
child, quietly sleeping, as she is now.
And not word of explanation. | can
not understand. Can you lift this veil
of mystery the least bit Miss Dot?"
II! How ~"
We'll, then, what are we going to
-Gio?"
''Do?" She lifted her head vague
alarm and distress in her face. Then
sshe sprang up, clasping the sleeping
Rchlin 10 nef.
Let me keep the child, Guardy. You
,Esorid not send the poor innocent away
.'sOuld you?'' and she gazed at him plead
EHEly.
Miss Dot, you surprise me. Why
are you so interested in the little
sstranger?"
''Stranger!" Then, as if recollecting
herself, she bent and kissed the little
face, thus hiding the deep color that
had suffused her own.
Il am interested because love little
Ones; and see, she is awake" And she
Eleh up the baby girl to his view. 'Isn't
she pretty?" And the tender-hearted,
LmpuIsive girl covered the little face
with warm, loving caresses.
-'oh, Guardy, say that may keep
her. have always loved her. /"
WHAT
II mean l have always loved
children. Now please don't look so
cross"
1t was true that Earle Wellman did
Hook thoroughly angry-bewi wildered
Dorothy Baker" laying one hand
heavily ON her shoulder. ''Do you
Snow anything about this child?"
Yes" throwing him a look of
mingled fear and defiance; 81 know that
u love her"
-'Love herl You love everything and
everyone"
do I?'
Eyes, with one exception, Miss Dot
Half that is not answering nv question