Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1891-04-11
LITTLE MISS DOT.
How She Became Miss Dorothy
to Earl Wellman.
,,Miss Dorotbvl Miss Dorothv!"

who called was very angry at not re-
ceiving an answer, for she snatched up
n large sun hat and with long, rapid
strides strobe down the broad driveway.
miss Dorothy"
eyes, YES! I'm coming. Wait a min
ute, please" and, with swift, flying
footsteps, young girl carne bounding
across the lawn. a nobl> honnd and
skye terrier followed, lcaping 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, ! neverw and the elder wom-
an held up both hands in amazement.
Never saw such a 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 1t in
soft, loving tendrils.
"I have been romping with the dogs,
Mrs. Grey. 1t was warm work, though,
and / do wish / had Il fan. Oh, may
have your hat?" and, merrily laugh
ing, the tempestuous girl ruthlessly
snntched the hat from the astonished
woman.
"Well, never!'
At this second amazed ejaculation
the dimpling sprite threw back her
nff n
clear, irresistible laughter.
"There, Mrs. Grey, feel more com
Portable" and she placed the hat back
carefully. ''ThaulSs-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."
"Guardy" 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 never look and act like
other girls. Down, Ponto! Fritz, come
onr' and without stopping, she bounded
up the massive stone steps, both dogs
following; Il pretty picture of innocent,
girlish grace and abandon. With a
quick, 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
Oh l,a1 tAt.r1
''Oh, Dot" laughing softly, ''what a
wild-hower you are heard Mrs. Grey
call you Miss Dorothy and as l saw
you tearing across the lawn, the dogs at
your heels, l could not help smiling.
Such grand name for 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. 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.
"a great deal, Miss Dot" and Dot
Baker looked up in surprise, wondering
at the cold hauteur she saw pictured il
the strong manly face bending over hel
"a face that could be chillingly cold ol
irresistibly winning.
Little Dot, see what / have herer
and his face softened visibly, as h'
stepped to the sofa and threw back ;
white coverlid revealing the sweet
dimpled face of sleeping child.
Nf "a, ~ fa1l
Lcr knees before it.
"Where did she come from, Guardy?'
and Dot hid her face in the mass of sof
flannel
II do not know, Dot. I found thi
basket in the hall. In it was thi
child, quietly sleeping, as she is now
And not word of explanation. l cal
not understand. Can you lift this vel
of mystery the least bit, Miss Dot?"
81! How ~"
''Well, then, what are we going T.
~do?"
'Do?" She lifted her head, vagu
alarm and distress in her face The
she sprang up, clasping the sleepin
child to her.
''Lct me keep the child, Guardy. Yo
.could not send the poor innocent away
could you?" and she gazed at him plead
ingly.
Miss Dot you surprise me. VIII
are you so Interested in the littl
,stranger?"
''Stranger!' Then, as if recollectin
herself, she bent and kissed the littl
face, thus hiding the deep color th5
had suffused her own.
81 am interested because tove littl
ones; and see, she is AWAKE" And 81
held up the baby girl TO his view. "Isn
she pretty?" And the tender-hearte'
impulsive girl covered the little ia,
with warm, loving caresses.
''oh, Guardy, say that may kee
her, have always loved her. l."
"What!" .t,.........
I-I mean 1 have always ,ov.
children. Now please don't look
cross"
1t was true that Earle Wellman d
ll,,u