Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-03-26
The RAD Doll.

(By Hannah G. Fernald)
1t was not really doll, and it was
not really Elzabeth's. but "Elizabeth's
doll' is what DR.. Andrew Kent calls 1t
to this day.
1t happened one spring morning
that Elizabeth was summoned hastily
from the schoolroom and driven across
the city to her Uncle Andrews; her
own little trunk was on the back 81
the carriage, and as they rode Eliza
beths mother explained that she was
called out of town for few days, and
that Elizabeth was to stay with Uncle
Andrew and be very. very good.
Then Elizabeth and the little trunk
were left at DR.. kent's, with hurried
good-by, and Imother rode away to
catch her train.
Elizabeth felt quite dazed as she sat
watching Uncle Andrews housekeeper
unpack her trunk-it was all so sud-
den! Then. as the last little garment
was lifted out Elizabeth made dis
covery
Mrs. Lane she cried with quaver-
ing voice, mother didn't pack one
single doll"
Mrs. Lane did not seem to feel the
full horror of the situation.
You're only going to stay with us a
few days. you know, my dear" she
said, comfortably. and your mother
was called off in such a hurry. it's Il
wonder to me she remembered your
clothes. I'll find some old magazine.
and you can cut out and dress som+
pretty paper dolies.
Elizabeth played with paper dolls for
two whole days. She could not go TO
school, for the distance was too great.
Mrs. Lane was kind, but busy: and DR..
Kent. though the jOllieSt uncle in the
|, world. was not much comfort, because
he was at home so little. Elizabeth
tried to be contented, but she did long.
for 4 real doll to talk to.
On the third morning of her stay at
the big house Elizabeth was standing
at the hitchng post. feeding humps OF
sugar to Uncle Andrews black horse.
when an idea struck her-an idea so
bright that it brought smiles out {; |
over her face.
Uncle. oh Uncle," she cried, as Dr.
Kent ran down the steps and sprang
into the carriage; may | play with the
htching post"
Jerry. the black horse. started off at
q run, but DR.. Kent leaned back to
wave a hand at his little niece. Yes.
yeS," he called. and to himself he
added Is it as forlorn as that for the
poor baby" and made note in his
little red book.
Elizabeth skipped upstairs to Mrs.
Lane.
Please, Mrs. Lane she said. may
| have a big piece of old white cloth?
And may ] go to the corner store and
buy some colored crayons?"
Mr.. Lane found a big bundle of
beth's head. handed it to her.
You're the best child to amuse
yourself!" the kindly housekeeper said.
admringly: and then Elizabeth ran out
to the hitching post and set to work to
make herself a doll
1t took her a long time to carry out
her plan. but she finished at last. and
then hurried into the house. brimf,p of
laughter. to call Mrs Lane. That lady.
in q state of great excitement, met her
in the hall.
Elizabeth" she exclaimed, Il have
something important to tell you; your
mothers come home. She's tple-
phoned. and she wants me to bring
you home this minute. and I'm going to
spend the day with you: Put on your
other jacket, quick. I've sent word 80
the doctor-and we will go out the |
back way: it's nearer the car"
And SO they hurried off and Eliza
beth in her rejoicing never gave an
other thought to the new and unusual
doll that she had left standing at the
curhstone before the door.
AS DR.. Kent drove toward home
that afternoon he wondered why so
many acquaintances smiled broadly as
they nodded to him.
AS he neared his door he saw a Gu
rious figure in a futtering blue frocll
motionless at the curbstone.
Jerry tossed his head nervously, but
the doctor urged him closer still-and
then, on beholding the unique figure,
eaned back in the carriage to laugh
md laugh, while the passers-by smiled
alphabetically.
Surely such a hitching post never
vas seen before; it had been trans
ormed into rag doll of giant proper
ions. The iron framework was Swath-
d in the white cloth received from
lrs. Lane, and then attired in a blue
Unity dress of Elizabeth's. with empty .
leeves dangling helplessly; the round
White head and brilliantly colored
heeks, lips. and eyes. shaded by an {
normous sunbonnet of Mrs. Lanes. t
When the doctor could draw long
reath, he called little boy to hold |
erry while he Invested the hitching s
oSt of its strange apparel Then he {
-ent into the house and telephoned {
, F. aheth's mother
Elizabeth herself with all her dolls =