The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-04-10
LITTLE MISS DOT.
How She Became Miss Dorothy
to Earl WeIlman.
Miss Dorothy! Miss Dorothy


large sun hat and with long, rapid
strides strobe down the broad driveway.
Miss Dor-o-thy.'
Eyes, yes! I'm coming. Wait a min
ute, please" and, with swift, flying
footsteps, young girl caTe bounding
across the lawn. A nobl> .oInd and a
skye terrier followed, lea?ing on her
at every step she took.
Down, Ponto! Fritz, you bad dog!
See what you have done to nv 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 Il sweet, laughing voice that
asked the question. But the warm,
flushed face was more so-round and
piquant, sparkling with life and anima-
ton. Her head was uncovered, but the
short, brown hair clustered about it in
soft. loving tendrils.
81 have been romping with the dogs,
Mrs. Grey. 1t was warm work, though,
and do wish | had fan. Oh, may
have your hiatt" and, merrily laugh
ing, the tempestuous girl ruthlessly
snatchcd the hat from the astonished
woman.
'Wcll, ! never
At this second amazed ejaculation
the dimpling sprite threw back her
head, sending out peal after peal of
clear, irresistible laughter.
There, Mrs. Grey, l feel more com
Portable and she placed the hat back
carefully. "Thanks-but oh, | forgot
YOU called me. For what am | wanted,
plcasc?'
"Mr. Welman wishes to see you, but
you can't go to him with your dress in
that condition"
''Guardy.' and the hot, vivid color
rushed DER check and brow, but | can
not help it if do look $3.50 wild. He
knows that never look and act like
other girls Down, Ponto! Fritz, ccmc
on and without stopping, she bounded
up the massive stone steps, both dogs
following; pretty picture of innocent,
girlish grace and abandon. With a
quick, impetuous movement she threw
open the study door, glancing half
doubtfully and a 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.
lyon are right, Guardy. Look and
she held out the torn gown.
I.nl nn+a'' 1ouu,i1Cr cnf4lNv SINybut a
wild-hower you are! | heard Mrs. Grey
call YOU Miss Dorothy and as | saw
you tearing across the lawn, the dogs at
your heels, l could not help smiling,
such a grand name for a little holden,
brimful 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. Il know I'm short, but you
need not tell me, and as for my name,
what's in name anyway" and She
tossed back one awry curl in angry i'm
patience.
"A 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 l have hcre"'
and his face softened visibly, as he
stepped to the sofa and threw back a
white coverlid, revealing the sweet,
dimpled face of sleeping child.
With Il 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.
Il do rot 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?"
81. How -"
well, then, what are we going to
do?"
"Do?'' She lifted her head, vague
alarm and distress in her face. Then
she sprang up, clasping the sleeping
child to her,
Let me keep the child, Guardy. You
COulu lOu Seuu inc pOOf lnHOccllJ away,
could you?" and she gazed at him plead
ingly.
Miss Dot, you surprise me. Why
are you SO interested in the little
stranger"
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 l love little
ones; and see, she is awake" And she
held up the baby girl TO his view. isn't
she pretty?" And the tender-hearted,
impulsive girl covered the little face
with warm, loving caresses.
"Oh, Guardy, say that may keep
her. have always loved her. L"
What
Il mean l have always loved
children. Now please don't look so
cross"
1t was true that Earle Wellman did
look thoroughly angry-bewildered
Dorothy Baker!' laying one hand
heavily on her shoulder do you
know anything about this child?"
yes" throwing him a look of