The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1891-07-05
LITTLE MISS DOT.
..Miss Dorothy. Miss Dorothy =,

"Miss Dorothy Miss Dorothy"
Sharply, shrilly the voice pierced the
still, warm air. II was plainly evident that
the tall, middle aged woman who called
was very angry at not receiving an answer,
for she snatched up 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
fore her.
'Miss Dorothy"
"Yes, yes! Pm coming. Waita minute,
please and with swift, flying footsteps
young girl came bounding across the lawn.
A noble hound and q skye terrier followed,
leaping on her at every step she look.
Down, Ponto, Fritz, you bad dog !.
see what you have done to my dress, and
she looked rather ruefully at the large
rent in the white muslin-white once, but
now torn end bedraggled with mud.
"Well, | !" and the elder woman
held up both hands in amazement. "Never
saw such sight Is that it.' 1t was a
sweet, laughing voice that asked the ques-
ton. But the warm, flushed face was
more so-round and piauant, sparkling
with life and animation.
~ have been romp;ng with the dogs,
Mrs. Grey. 1t was warm work, though,
and / DO wish had a fan. Oh, may L have
your hat." and merrily laughing, the tein-
pestuous girl ruthlessly snatched the hat
from the astonished woman.
well, L never"
AT this second amazed ejaculation the
-. l.,.-A hon nrad
ing out peal after peal of clear, irresistible
laugher.
There. Mrs. Grey, | feel more COM
Portable" and she placed the hat back
carefully. Thanks = but oh, / forgot;
you called me. For what am l wanted,
pieaseg'
MIR Wellman wishes to see you, but
you can't go 10 him with your dress IN
that condition"
"Guardyi" and the hot, vivid color
rushed over 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 on ~
and without stopping she bounded up the
massive stone steps, both dogs following
a pretty picture of innocent girlish grace
and abandon. With a quick, impetuouS
movement she threw open the study door,
glancing half doubtfully and trItie timidly
at the figure reclining in the large easy
chair.
'Ah, little Miss Dot, you have returned.
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.
''Oh, Dotr' laughing softly, what a
wildfower you arei ! heard Mrs. Gray
call you Miss Dorothy and as l saw you
tearing across the lawn, the dogs at your
heels, 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 a tiny foot came down an
grily. know Pm short, but you need not
tell me, and as for my name, what's in a
name anywayr'
"A great deal, Miss Dot,n and Dot Baker
lookdd up in surprise, wondering at the
cold hauteur she saw pictured in the strong,
manly face bending over her.
Little Dot, see what l have herer" and
his face softened visably as he stepped to
the sofa and threw back white coverlid,
revealing the sweet, dimpled face OF a
sleeping child.
With low cry Of delight Dot fell on her
knees before il.
Where did she come from, Guardy!"
and Dot hid her face in the mass of soft
flannel.
Il don't know, Dot. 1 found this basket
in the hall. In il was this child, quietly
sleeping, as she is now. And not word Of
explanation. i cannot understand. Can
you lift this veil of mystery the least bit
Miss Dot:'
"a! How Is''
''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
no inn
could you!" and she gazed at him plead
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 suf-
fused her own.
Il am interested because / love little
ones and see, she is awake" And she
held up the baby girl to his view. "Isn't
she prettyn' 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. p
'.Whatf'
81 mean 1 have always loved children
Now, please don't look so cross"
1t was true that Earle Wellmsn did look
thoroughly angry bewildered.
Dorothy Baker! !" laying one hand heav-
thing about this childr'
Yes" throwing him look Of mingled
fear and defiance 81 know that 1 love
her."
Love her You love everything and
every one"
DO IF'
'Yes, with one exception, Miss Dot But
that is not answering my question d.
rectly. What do you know about this
stranger"
II said that knew that loved her."
'Oh, Miss Dot, why can you not be SEN
sible one moment!" and an amused smile
"Wby won't you think of how l am placed
with a baby, a mere infant on my hands
and'-
"She is a year old, Guardy."
"a year old How do you know that
Miss Dot."
'T-oh, well, should Judge So Wouldn't
your
She looked SO innocently demure that it
was with difficulty that her questioner re-
Trained from smiling.
Eyes, think you are right" and he
looked more earnestly at the baby face
nesting so contentedly against Dot.
The eyes, q pretty blue, were wide open
and gazing at him in pretty wonder. In
voluntarily he held out his hands, at which
the baby crowed in delight Its little dress
was neat and prettily made, and evidently
careful, loving hands had robed tho little
one.
well, Miss Dot'
ayes, Guaroy."
81 am sorely puzzled. Let your woman's
wit advise me-"
sWoman's witp' laughingly. "And you
are always begging me TO try to be sensi-