Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-18
TOPSY ON THE TOP FLOOR
By CLARA J. DENTON.
Copyright. 1901. by George W. Jacob. 6 Co.,
CHAPTER VII.
Daisv,s arauce-

CHAPTER VII.
Daisy's Disappearance.
The following Tuesday was holiday,
and, as both the schools and the public
library were closed Nettie and her mamma
| were to have a long day together.
20. mamma" said Nettie. as soon as she
awoke in the morning. II do wish We could
| go to the park today"
That's the very thing said Mrs. How
ellis; II will put up lunch. and We will
| stay the livelong day.
And, mamma, dear. Just one thing more
| %, Z you only would, should love to stop
| at Miss verro's and get Topsy. The poor
| little thing would enjoy it so much. and you
know she wasn't out doors but a few min
utes last Saturday.
"Are you sure they are still willing to
| trust her with your
why, mamma. of course they are. Don't
you remember Miss Verro and Miss Julia
| both said wasn't bit to blame?'
Eyes, OF course. I remember. but maybe.
after all. they will feel as II they had
better not-let Topsy go so far away. How
ever, we will go that way, and Will wait
in the parlor while you run upstairs and
ask for Miss Topsy."
When Miss Verro opened the door for
Nettie she said, 20. you dear child, 1 am SO
glad to see you. for I have something very
pleasant to tell you. Mrs. Wood called here
Yesterday. and l found to my great surprise
that she didn't know word about that
bad James tricks. Daisy. 1t seems, did not
tell her mamma"
Nettie looked very much surprised. She
was thinking: "She must have taken the
candy after all" but she said nothing.
Mrs. Wood was, of course, very angry.
and declared she would discharge Jane as
en- cSha nn,,lA A,al - %a1yo hars
place. I happened to know of an excellent
young girl who wanted just that kind of
work, and she went to Mrs. Woods this
morning. So. you see, every thing has
turned out all right, and 1t really was a
good thing that you were locked In. for now
Daisy and her little brothers will have a
good girl instead of bad one to take care
of them"
it made 1t easier for her to ask that Topsy
might go with her mamma and herself to
the park.
Yes, indeed" was Miss verros answer,
well be delighted to have Topsy go with
you, but think she'd better have her rib
bon on"
She brought from a drawer a long heavy
blue ribbon, on one end of which was a lit
tie silver hook which could be snapped into
the ring on Topsy's collar.
now" said Miss Verro, ''she cannot run
away from you If you Keep tight hold of
this. There is no telling what freak she
With Topsy in Nettie's arms they at last
set out, and while they were waiting on the
street corner for an electric car, Daisy
came along with her two little brothers and
chat with Nettie and when she found that
they were going to the park, she said
20, don't wish was going with YOU
II wish you were." said Nettie, looking
w1stfully at her mamma.
I'VE will wait here a few minutes for YOU
Daisy. II you want to run and get your
mammals permission said Mrs. Howells.
20, III be back in half minute" was the
answer, and away she flew.
In little while she appeared around the
corner again, but this time she carried a
small lunch basket.
You ought to have seen them all hurry
to help me off, she said, 80 that you
wouldn't get tired waiting for me- The cook
spread my bread and butter, mamma cut
the cake. the second girl got the olives and
cut the meat, and I ran down cellar after
the fruit and some of the other things. But
mamma says she thinks you are very kind,
indeed, Mrs. Howells, to be bothered with
me. promised her I'd be as good as gold
and now don't see how anything bad can
happen, unless Topsy runs away
Il am sure you will make me no trouble"
said Mrs. Howells, smiling, and, as for
Topsy. Miss Verro has provided against I'M
expected naughtiness on her part"
Nettie then showed Daisy the long blue
ribbon. and while they were admiring it the
car came and they merrily took their seats.
The long ride in the open car on that beau
tful May morning was one Of the pleasures
OF the trip, and, although half an hour had
passed when the car stopped before the tall
iron gates, it seemed as If they had been
but a few minutes on the road.
Now. II we could run on the grass and
II there were wild flowers here to gather,
this would be real country" said Daisy.
20, don't wish there were wild flowers
here I've never had any in my life," said
Nettie.
WELL" said Daisy, 1.-The first time I ever
saw any I was little bit Of a girl l
picked every one could find and my older
cousins made lots of fun Of me. Then.
when ! came into the house with both
hands full, Aunt Nancy said: Now, Daisy
you take those miserable weeds and throw
them outdoors. Ny, how felt; 1 thought
they were beautiful flowers"
We'll, I'd think SO, too. II had some.
Mamma has little pitcher with bunch Of
daisies painted on it.. and often sit and
look at 1T and wish had just one"
When I come back from Aunt Nancy's
III bring you some daisies and some but
yellow things. I always wish had a cup
just like one OF them, only larger, OF
course"
They roamed around the beautiful park,
watched the crowds of people coming and
going, and sat for long time near the
sparkling fountain; they ran races along
the graveled walks with Topsy, not forget
ting. for one moment. however, to keep
firm hold on the long blue ribbon.
When noon came, Mrs. HoWells found
quiet corner Of the park where no one was
sitting, and where very few people passed,
and here they ate lunch with a good appe-
tite. When this was over the little girls, of
course, were thirsty, and begged that they
should all go to the drinking fountain,
which was near the main entrance Mrs
Howells. however was tired, and asked
that the little girls wait half an hour
or so.'
Then Daisy asked that she and Nettie
might go alone, adding, coaxingly:
II know the way perfectly well, Mrs
Howells. I've been all over the park alone,
lots Of times, and Wen come straight back
as soon as we have a drink"
AS the park was not very large one
and Daisy was so in the habit of taking
care Of herself, Mrs. Howells, thinking no
harm could come to them, gave her consent.
After they were gone she folded her light
shawl into a cushion for her head and
leaned back against the tree under which
they had eaten their lunch. Topsy curled
herself up for a nap, and, as the blue rib
bon was tied around Mrs. Howells' wrist,
she thought it perfectly safe to close her
eyes and give herself up to a much needed
resting SPELL" In few moments she was
In the happy land Of dreams
She slept on for nearly an hour when she
was suddenly awakened by strong tug at
the ribbon around her wrist. When she
hnr aHync he