The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-04-16
LITTLE MISS DOT.
How She Became Miss Dorothy
to Earl Wellman.
Miss Dorothy. Miss Dorothy"

Miss Dorothy. Miss Dorothy
Sharply. shrilly, the voice pierced
the still. warm air. 1t was plainly evil
dent that the tall. middle aged woman
who called was very angry at not re-
ceiving 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
the acres of green lawn that stretched
before her.
Miss Dorothy
Yes. yes. I'm coming. Wait min
ute. please and. with swift, flying
footsteps. young girl Gang bounding
across the lawn. 4 noble hound and a
skye terrier followed, leaping on her
ut every step she took.
Down, Ponto Fritz, you bad dog.
Zee 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?"
It was sweet. laughing voice that
asked the question. But the warm.
flushed face was more so-round and
piquant. sparkling with life and ANNA
ton. 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 had fan. Oh. may l
have your hat?" and, merrily laugh
ing, the tempestuous girl ruthlessly
snatched the hat from the astonished
woman.
well, 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. feel more COM
Portable" and She placed the hat back
carefully. 'sThanks-but oh, | forgot:
you called me. For what am wanted.
please?"
Mr.. Wellman wishes to see you. but
you cant 60 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 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; pretty picture of innocent.
girlish grace and abandon. With a
quick, impetuous movement she threw
open the study door, CHANGING hall
doubtfully and trifie tinidly 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 Wellmans lips.
''You are right, Guardy. Look" ant
she held out the torn gown.
.''Oh. Dot. laughing softly. ''what Z
wild-fower you are. | heard Mrs. Grey
call you Miss Dorothy and as | saw
you tearing across the lawn. the dogs al
your heels, / could not help smiling
Such grand name for little holden
III IllS anu IAlSSlllSl. VI lSs
Dorothy, indeed. Nothing but Little
Miss Dot will suit you. 1t is short
jlst like"
stop: and tiny foot came dowr
angrily. Il know I'm short. but you
need not tell me, and as for my name
what's in a name anyway" and sh.
tossed back one awry curl in angry i'm
patience.
"A great deal, Miss Dot" and Dot
Baker looked up in surprise. wondering
ut the cold hauteur she saw pictured in
the strong manly face bending over hel
Ia face that could be chillingly cold OF
irresistibly winning.
Little Dot. see what / have here.
and his face softened visibly. as h
stepped to the sofa and threw back
white coverlid, revealing the sweet
dimpled face of sleeping child.
With a low cry of delight, Dot fell OF
her knees before it.
Where did she come from. Guardy?
and Dot hid her face in the mass of sof
flannel.
Il do not know, Dot. found thi
basket in the hall. In it was thi
child, quietly sleeping, as She is now
And not a word Of explanation. cal
not understand. Can you lift this vel
of mystery the least bit, Miss Dot?'
Il. How I?'
well, then, what are we going t
do?"
"Do?" She lifted her head, vagu
alarm and distress in her face. Thel
she sprang up, clasping the sleepin;
child to her.
LET 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 tina
had suffused her own.
II am interested because love littl
ones; and see, she is awake" And sh
held up the baby girl to his view. Ism
she pretty?" And the tender-hearted
impulsive girl covered the little fac
with warm, loving caresses.
''Oh, Guardy, say that may keel
her. have always loved her. l."