Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-25
CHAPTER TX,
Another Runaway.

CHAPTER TX.
Another Runaway.
Nettfe opened the gate and went dancing
across the street waving her handkerchief
high in the air. When the two girls came
a little nearer, Nettie saw that their hands
were full Of flowers.
See. see!" shouted Daisy, lifting up her
treasures, "buttercups and daisies, and all
for you, Nettie"
20, Daisy" exclaimed Nettie, taking the
flowers you are the best girl 1 ever saw.
Ny. but they are sweet and pretty. I'm
ever so much obliged to you"
But in spite Of Nettie's delight, Daisy
looked ashamed when she came to where
Mrs. Howells stood, and caught the hook on
her face.
II was quite alarmed about you." said
Mrs. Howells, quietly.
II know I've been awfully naughty Mrs.
Howells,'' said Daisy, penitently, but truly,
truly. 1 didn't think I'd be gone more than
a minute, and, you see. couldn't tell Net
tie where I was going; she was way in the
middle Of the crowd"
But what put such a thing into your
head?' said Mrs Howells. for Nettie was
too busy admiring her treasures to ask any
questions. or even rejoice over Daisy's re-
turn.
ut was this way, Mrs. Howells: While we
stood there In the crowd waiting for a
chance to get a drink. head a girl coaxing
some other girls to go with her after butter
and she said. No, just little bit Of a
walk Just then some one pulled Nettie
inside the crowd to give her a drink. so l
thought 1 could go and get back with the
flowers before she came out Of the crowd
again. We all started on a run. and we
weren't long getting to the gate. Then they
said the flowers were just beyond the COM
mon: but. dear me, it was a good ways. L
tell you. I wanted to come Jack before l
was half way there. for I was afraid Nettie
would miss me, and be frightened about me,
but the other girls wouldn't come back
without the flowers and 1 wasn't sure L
knew the way back alone, SO I had to wait
After a while I coaxed that girl who was
with me to leave the others and come back
with me. She wanted to come, too, because
she lives down that street next to the park,
and she hadn't been home to her dinner
yet. I'm truly sorry, Mrs. Howells; meant
to be a good girl, but, dear me. when L
heard those girls talking about the flowers
| 1t seemed as If I'd just got to get some for
Nettie."
You were very kind to think Of Nettie,
but you gave us both very uncomfortable
half hour, dear, however. You look warm
and tired and I don't believe you have en-
joyed your runaway very much more than
we have"
But 1 don't see why it is that things
never turn out just as 1 expect them to. 1
was so sure that 1 could get those flowers
and be back again in minute
Mrs. Howells smiled. Il think it is be-
cause that impulsive little head of yours
doesn't examine things very closely before it
| leads on the feet or hands. However, one
thing I am sure has turned out as you eX-
pected. Nettie is as delighted with her
| flowers as even you could wish"
They turned around to look at Nettie, who
was following them slowly and arranging
| vf,,rr f1a hrfc hi ly,,t
the next moment Mrs Howells cried out:
'"Topsy. Topsy, Topsy,' and the children
looked up just in time to see the poodle
bounding over the trinity cut grass and
dragging the long ribbon behind her.
Daisy started to run after her, but Nett1e
caught her arm.
No" she said, she'll think your re play
ing with her, and you'll never catch her. I'll
get her, if you'll hold my flowers"
Daisy took the flowers and Nettie bound
ed away.
Let us sit down on this bench and wait
for Nettie,'' said Mrs Howells.
Daisy obeyed, but she was thinking. Il
wish 1 dared to ask her how Topsy got
away; that's the first thing she'd ask me il
had let her go. My! but I'm glad didn't
do that, anyhow"
Perhaps Mrs Howells suspected the ma
ture Of Daisy's thoughts, for, after mo-
ment, she said:
II cannot understand how the ribbon got
out of my hand. thought was holding
on to 1t as tightly as ever. must have just
let go Of 1t. What careless caper, and /
shall never forgive myself If any harm
comes to dear little Topsy."
II didn't s'pose." said Daisy. timidly.
that grown folks were ever careless. Don't
you think she broke the ribbon?'
mo. indeed, she couldn't; beside, il she
had the piece would have been in my hand.
No, dear, grown folks have just as much
need to guard themselves against careless
ness as you little people"
Daisy looked grave and they soon fell into
some earnest talk. Mrs. Howells could say
serious things in q way that didn't sound a
bit .'preachy," and even when they talked of
Daisy's runaway the child didn't feel as II
she was being "lectured." On the contrary,
the moments went by SO rapidly that she
missed neither Nettie nor Topsy.
Meanwhile, where were these two fast
friends?
Nettie. of course. had not dared to follow
Topsy as she dashed over the grass, so she
ran along the path calling:
Come. Topsy, Topsy." But, just at that
moment, it seemed to Miss Topsy greater
fun to chase the birds than to run after
Nettie; so she continued her delightful play.
Nettie then on swiftly along the
gravel path until she was on the farther
side Of the grassy space, up and down
which Miss Topsy was gamboling SO hap
PLY.
Nettie crouched down near the edge OF
the grass, her eyes on the swiftly moving
little creature. Pretty soon Topsy dashed
with all her might after bird that flew
in Nettie's direction. She was on the alert.
and before the naughty little dog realized
what was going on. she ran plump into Net
ties arms.
Now, you crazy little thing. You'll not
get away again." said Nettie, hugging her
closely as she set out to return to her
mamma and Daisy. AS she was going along
smoothing Topsy's hair and talking to her
in low tone, she met a tall. rough-looking
boy who stared sharply, frst at Topsy and
then at Nettle. Topsy barked at him. OF
course, but Nettie scarcely noticed him. He
walked on q few paSes then stopped. turn
stood undecided a minute or two. then
started toward Nettie at quick pace.
When he came up to her, he laid his
hand on her shoulder and said, roughly:
Here. where are you going with my
doEr'