Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1914-07-26

| MISS Lllld FdSeI, dOIudH 1uedIoT.
 Dorcas turned to look at Merry with unspoken pity in her eyes. Your mother is upstairs. We will take you to her in a few minutes" Julie crept close to Merry. She stood by his side, gazing curiously at 1 the blind child.
 q did not know Miss Paget had a little boy" she said.
 Neither did I. Run upstairs, dear, and ask if she is in her dressing room, but not one word to her or to any one about this boy
 Robin laid his cheek against Dor cas- face.
 T wish you were my mother," he murmured. | You may have me as your friend" l The girl kissed him softly, in response 1 to which his chin trembled.
 Does your mother know you are coming?" asked Merry. No, I'm to be surprise. George said I'm sort of Christmas present" Merry's eyes turned anxiously to Dorcas. He shook his head, and there was a perplexed frown upon his face. Julie came in. Miss Paget is not in her room. Emiline says she is out taking dinner with gentleman" Robin jumped to the floor and be. gan to grope about for his hat Merry lifted it and put it in his hand. You must stay here till your mother comes in."
 "Of course, for you are just in time for dinner,' said Dorcas. We have lots of good things left-chicken and tomatoes and ice cream"
 His shoes ought to be changed" suggested Mrs. Volk; they're awfully wet"
 Nothing is wet but my goloshes," answered Robin. He bent to take them off. When we left the train, George brought me here under an um- brella."
 "Who was George?" asked Merry.
 George took care of me on the way over on the big ship. l slept in a little bed over his. hope will never see George again."
 Wasn't he kind to you?" asked Dorcas.
 "Not-very kind" The child paused a moment. 'I don't believe George understands little boys-blind boys. means"
 "Was George a relative?"
 No. He came to the home to take me to America. That was what Father Shannon said"
 What home?"
 The home for little blind boys. There were hundreds of little blind boys there" Haven't you any relatives?" asked Merry.
 Why, yes, I have my mother. A mother is quite close relative, isn't she?"
 "She certainly is," agreed the actor hastily. T mean. haven't you any other relative in England"
 There is Aunt Fannie. She is not real aunt, though. She used to know mother, and sometimes she came to see me at the home"
 Dorcas lifted him into chair be- side the table. Mrs. Volk set plate in front of him. She had cut the chicken and potato into small pieces. Can you feed yourself. dear?" she asked hesitatingly.
 Why, yes" There was tone of grown-up dignity in Robins voice. T have fed myself ever since l was 8 little boy" There were tears in the girls eyes while she watched him eat. He was still such little boy! He had dainty. well-bred ways. Once he apolog1zed | as he accepted a second helping of | meat.
 T could not eat on the ship today" ] he explained. Things were nasty. Besides. could not think of anything but meeting mother Do you think | she will be in soon?" | Merry pulled out his watch. "Julie, 1t is half-past six. Run upstairs again and see if Miss Paget has come in. Remember, not word about the sur ] prise for her.
 The child returned in a few minutes. "She has just come in" l "Oh," cried Julie, there's ice cream You have not had any ice cream" T am not hungry. want to go to my mother. You see I have been thinking about my mother for years and years"
 Do you remember herr" asked Merry.
 Robin hesitated Aunt Fannie says I can't because I was little baby when she went away. I think-I re- member her."
 Come with me-" said Merry.
 Don't you believe that had better take him?" said Dorcas. Miss Paget may have begun to dress"
 Merry nodded. t9s
 "Am spick and span?: asked Robin anxiously. Aunt Fannie said mother is beautiful and elegant and famous l want her to see that I am nice enough to be her little boy.
 Gro be continued)
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