The Colfax chronicle., 1891-06-13

Dot found no chance now to be lone
some. Baby, as she continued to call
her. claimed all her time and the child
clung to her with passionate fondness.
Leading the child, Dot went into
Earle's study one day. He was, as
on the day the little stranger had
fallen into his hands so mysteriously,
just one year ago, lazily reclining in the
same chair. He arose as she entered,
welcoming her with a warm, pleased
smile.
"Ah. Miss Dot, you have baby, as
usual
"Why, of course! We are insepara-
BILE, and love her so"
He saw the wistful, yearning look
that she cast on the child, SO full OF
anxiety, too, that he felt something was
amiss.
What is the trouble, Miss Dot? Isn't
baby well?" And he took the curly
headed fairy up in his arms. He, too,
had learned to care for the blue-eyed
stranger.
YES" hesitatingly, "baby is well;
but, oh, Guardy! want to talk to you.
May I?'' and she looked at him anxious
ly, entreatingly.
''Why, child! What 10 you mean?
Why ask if you may? Am / not always
willing?"
"yes, Guardy. yes. But it is about
-Lucie. Oh, don't" and she grasped
his arm with both hands. as she saw
the look of mingled rage and conster.
nation that had swept over his face
Dorothy
''Oh, Guardy, don't look so! Be pitt
full, and the tears welled up into her
brown eyes, while his face softened
slightly.
Think of all these years, and not a
word from Lucie. Don't you want to
see her?''
"No!' Distinctly and harshly the
word fell, and he threw off her hands
and walked to the window.
One moment the girl looked after
him, irresolute and doubtful, then she
followed. This time she did not touch
him, but laid one hand on the head of
the child clinging to her dress.
''Guardy. / do not believe you. 1
know you do want to see her."
Miss Dorothy and Earle looked at
her in amazement.
II mean it. Since baby came you
have relented toward your sister. O.,
Guardy, forgive her fully
''Dot, l cannot. Think of mother.
You know and / know that it was
Lucie's disgraceful conduct that killed
her. Forgive her! Never"
Think of your mother in Heaven
pleading for her homeless child. She
loved and would have forgiven her, in
spite of all. Guardy, for her sake, call
her back
With stified groan he staggered to
q chair, burying his face in both hands.
Dot cast herself down at his feet, lay
ing one hand on his bowed head.
''Guardy!" There was a depth of
pitying tenderness in her young voice.
Let me tell you what know of Lucie.
She is in B alone. Her husband is
dead. and she is longing to return home.
i long to have her. Her husband was
true, Guardy, and she loved him to the
end. Think of that. Oh, say something
to me! This awful silence frightens me
so.''
He lifted his head slowly.
LET me think, Dot. / am bewild-
cred" and he passed his hand over his
forehead.
''Yes, think, Guardy! Think of the
long years that have rolled by since she
last saw her home-her brother. And,
oh, Guardy, think of the long, heart
broken year that has passed since she
held her baby in her arms. Think how
she is yearning to feel the touch of
warm, baby lips once more. knowing
all this, can you refuse to allow her tc
return home?"
''Her baby.'
''Yes, baby. This is hers. Her own
Alice, named after your mother. Oh,
don't send her away!" and the girl
sprang up, clasping both arms closely
around the child.
'.This-Lucie's child? Am I dream
ing?"
NO, it is true" and she placed the
baby girl in his arms. Without word
he dropped his head over that of the
wandering child.
And You knew it, Miss Dot?"
''Yes, / knew it," she repeated, hum
bly,; 81 hoped you would learn to love
baby, then. for her sake, would forgive
Lucie. Will you do so, Guardy?"
LET me think Leave me for min
ute, Dot"
He kissed the child, gently replacing
her in Dots outstretched arms. And
her heart ached as she saw the panied,
worn expression on his face.
''Will you forgive me for my deceit
and intrigue first?"
II have nothing to forgive, little Miss
Dot" and her eyes frightened as the
old pet name fell on her ear.
She closed the door gently, throwing
one backward glance at him as he sat
with bowed head.
A few minutes later the door was
pushed open. He did not look up,
thinking it was Dot, and he half ex-