The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1901-04-01

along a wide corridor. 10 the door Of
room. which they entered. after be-
ing duly announced Doris found her
self IN a large. splendidly-furnished
apartment much grander than any Of
the rooms at home: but she had barely
time 10 glance around before her faith
en- led her up TO an old. whiie-haired
gentleman, who was seated in an easy
chair near the fire.
j have brought my little daughter
to see you. AIr. Charlton" he said. IN
his CHEEKY tones. 4 have often prom
ised to DO SO. haven't II She is very
desirous Of becoming a member of the
faculty. although she IS So young"
Mr. Charlton took Doris small
gloyed hand 10 his and W ,lc0med her
kindly. She looked a MY child. be
thought. listlessly In her neat serge
fr0ek aud bolero jacket, her fair hair
falling over her shoulders. and an ex-
preston Of innocent pity IN her blue
eyes Pity yes, for Doris already
pitied this old man. who had such
lovely house to live in yet who looked
SO sad-sO sad.
He asked her 10 spend the day with
him. saying that there were many
pretty things about the house she
might like to see; and her father
agreed 20 leave her until the afternoon,
when he would call for her on bis way
home. Doris was not afraid Of being
left now. FOR Mr. Charlton seemed so
kind and gentle. He showed her lot
Of curious things. and some beautiful
pictures. and. though Il seemed 70 cost
him an effort at first, the chlld's pratt
ne found the way TO bis heart. and
he frightened up as be had not done
Tor months. They had luncheon to-
gether. and Doris told such a funny
story. as Il seemed 20 her. that she had
heard from nurse, over which she
laughed so heartily that he was
amused also. aud actually found be
bad managed to finish his soup with
out nelng aware that he WAS taking
it, After luncheon he sent his little
visitor for a ramblc about the house
and grounds. from which she returned
an hour later. with her hands fun OF
choice flowers.
Aren't they lovelyf' she asked.
Your gardener gave them to me. May
put them IN this nice china vase?
You have no flowers IA the room"
No: there had been no 1owers about
the room since his darling boy left
him. He bad loved them. 50 the old
man had felt since his loss that lac
could not bear 70 look upon the frail,
scented .hings that reminded him OF
Wilfred. But be did not Ike 10 hurt
the feelings Of his little guest By tell
ing her to remove them. and present
ly he fou a himself watching her ar
range them with feeling that was
not an pain.
"I'm tired now. sighed Doris. when
she had finished. and she drew a low
stool 70 his side and seated herself
upon il. This has been such a very
busy day / think seeing lot Of
strange things makes one feel tired. =
"And how do you like my house, my
dearr asked Mr.. Charlton. -Will you
come TO see me AGAIN.
oh / shall be very glad. thank you.
think IT'S 4 beautiful house, only
just q little lonely. don't you thlnkT
VERY lonely
Ills tone was full Of sadness. and
Doris remembered about the lost
grandchhd. and felt she had made Q
mistake
May I sing you a little song" she
asked. timidly Papa likes me TO.
sometimes. when we're alone.
EDO. my dear"
SO Doris sang simple words. sung
ii q child's clear treble: but they
sounded sweetly IN that quiet room,
aud the old man rested his head upon
his hand. and the slow tears trickled
through his ingers-tears that had
been pent up since be had taken his
last look az the face OF his dead boy
tears that bad melted the Ice that had
been gathering about his heart
''She has done me a world of good,
be whispered 10 the child's father
when he came to take her home
"Send her 20 me sometimes, won't
your"
SO once more a child's footsteps were
heard about the corridors Of Charlton
Hall. and after a biz Doris coaxed hei
new Old friend out into the sunshine
and by degrees be began TO take an
Interest again IN the world and IN th'
poor around him. He grew 10 call hel
his little physician, and Z was with Z
glow Of delight that Doris one dal
overheard him say 20 her father.
"She has brought a ray Of SUNSHINE
into my darkened life God bless her
my little Dr. Doris New .ork Week
iy.
nt.f... - ,..,.a Ntmn..tn.f.ra