Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-21
M IUTLEMEN q

child, who set up a piteous wall: while
from the street there appeared a 1.-THE
young colored woman, who looked as
before.
For minute only was the child held
then with great cry of JOY, intermingled
with sobs. Aunt Dinah rushed forward
and was heard to say. MY chile! my 1T
lamb what was los'r'
Yes. it was Aunt Dinah's daughter Ara
minta, who was taken from her so many
years before. and who had married and
gone to Bermuda to live; and this little
one. who had brought back Lady Ara
bella, was Araminta's youngest child.
While the mother and daughter, who
had been so long separated. were weep
ing In each others arms, Dolly Dot and
the other child stood in wonder. But
at last Dolly took 1t all in; she knew
her child, and she ran into the house
to tell mother the good news. Mrs.
Thompson was delighted and sent Dolly
out to tell Aunt Dinah to bring her
daughter and the little one to see her:
Aunt Dinah soon forgot that she had
called the little Granddaughter low
trash" and Dolly never thought Of the
difference in color. The little Dinah, for
that was her name. was dressed IN
frock of Dolly's which that little lady
said she always liked better than any
other one. but little Dinah needs it, and
I can see it better when it's on her than
when it's on me-"
One beautiful morning in December Mrs.
Thompson received a letter from home.
Dolly Dot and little Dinah were on the
beach building wonderful houses and
bridges Of sand. Mother called Dolly.
who ran UP to see what mother wished.
and was delighted to know that there was
a nice long letter from home.
Sitting on her little chair by the side
of the low couch, Dolly Dot heard the
glad news that papa would be with them
at Christmas time. andNhen mother told
Dolly a great secret, which caused the
little girl to jump and clap her hands
with joy.
The day before Christmas arrived. Aunt
Dinah. who hau been looking at Dolly
with anxious eyes for many days, often
exclaimed, Dat chile's brewin' mischief.
TO she can't keep still minute. an she
didn't know dat Dolly was the best child
libbin' I'd tink she was s-soin' to play a
fool trick on ole Dinah, but she fff
angel an I'm a-feared de sun am too hot
TO her haid.''
Papa came the night before Christmas.
Dot hung UP her stocking just as II she
had been at home. Mothers stocking
came first. then fathers. then Dolly Dots
then Aunt Dinah's, then another little
for wee Dinah. to whom stockings were
quite novelty. The Lady Arabella' g
small bit Of foot apparel was on the ex-
treme end Of the line.
In the south it Is the custom for colored
people to call out. on Christmas morning,
Christmas" as the people in the north:
so the first thing Aunt Dinah said to our
Dolly was Christmas gift" and Dolly
answered Christmas gift" also. but you
cause my gift to you will have to be
talked. and want Araminta. little Dinah
and her papa to hear it, too
"a talkin' Christmas gif'! 1t must be
all right-but It pears to me I'd rather
have a new turban."
da the. gifts were distributed. The stock
ings were opened, and, of course, there
were ordinations such as ooh! how love-
ly:" Just what wanted! The beauti-
minta and her husband, John. sat near.
speechless with delight, and little Dinah
Rugged a doll quite as large and beautiful
as Lady Arabella.
Then Mr.. Thompson said that weeks
ago. when Aunt Dinah had found her
daughter. Dolly Dots wish had been that
when they had returned north Araminta,
her husband and little Dinah might go,
too. At first 1t hardly seemed a possible
thing to manage. but at last Mr.. Thomp-
son found that he needed an extra man
on his place. and perhaps John could fill
the position. Then letter came from
Dolly Dot in which she said: you know,
dear papa, want to be a help to dear
Aunt Dinah. and II she will let me bring
home little Dinah and her mother and
father you needn't send me any Christ
mas at all; cause it will be such fun to
have little Dinah always to play with;
and. sides. Aunt Dinah -'ll be so glad
So he said that when Dolly Dots mother
returned home. John. Araminta and little
Dinah should go. too.
There" said Dolly Dot, "Aunt Dinah,
1t wasn't the sun in my head. but it was
a secret, and I'm glad it's out"