Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-09-26
Dorothy's
Mistake

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should want to play games
But, mother said Dorothy, MAR
ian's friend is from Boston, and her
father is MIN"
Millionaire" suggested mother.
Yes, mother; and they live in a
grand house, and have cottage at the
seashore, and-and- Do you think
, she would play rough games, as we
do? o, mother would like to wear
my pink silk"
Mothef smiled. She knew that Bos-
ton little girls were very much like
other little girls; but it was hard to
resist her daughters pleading eyes,
and it was better for her to learn some
things for herself. So mother helped
her on with the pink silk. 1t was a
pretty dress, of the soft pinky tint one
sees in the inside of seashell, and 1t
was kept for very, very grand oc-
casions.
Dorothy felt very fine. indeed, as
she assembled the steps of Marian's
house with Marjorie Marie in her
arms. Marjorie was wonderful doll
who was also kept for state occasions.
Smiling, Marian opened the door,
For an instant there was blank look
in her eyes; but it melted into smile
as she helped Dorothy take off her hat,
int ho or10 n
the little guest. Dorothy fancied that
little Miss Boston also looked troubled
for an instant, but she smiled very
pleasantly.
Dorothy noticed at once that both
little girls were plainly clad, and it
made her feel quite over-dressed; but
Marian ran upstairs for her dolls, and
the little girls were soon seated on the
sofa, admiring Marjorie and chatting
merrily.
Suddenly Marian's brother Rob
burst into the room in such startling
costume! 1t was not baseball rig,
and yet it was something like one
bright red and yellow and curiously
pulled and slashed.
Come on, girls!" he cried impa-
tiently. Its after two, and we're all
ready. Harry Lees brought his trick
monkey" he added with delighted
grin.
Marian gasped, and Miss, Boston's
upper lip trembled little; but they
were brave little girls, and very polite.
They exchanged looks. 1t would never
do to take that silk dress to the barn.
mot this time, Rob-" said Marian,
quietly, giving him warning glance;
for she saw a troubled look on Dor
othy's face. But Rob was so stupid!
Jaw, why?" he cried When
you've been talkin' about it all day?
What's got the matter with your
We're not going, Rob-" said Marian
firmly, with a little spark in her eyes.
Rob turned and stamped down the
hall and slammed the door. The
pleasure was gone from his afternoon;
for he, too, had counted on dazzling
Miss Boston with his trapeze perfor-
nance.
While Marian was trying desperate
ly to think of something to say, the
deepened. Suddenly all the visiting
dignity disappeared. and she buried
her head in Marjorie Marie's ruffled
skirt with wild sobs.
ooh, wish had my bingham dress
on" she walled.
Then the other girls burst into tears.
They crept as close to Dorothy as they
could, but did not dare to put their
arms around her on account of the
pink silk How Dorothy hated it!
All at once Marian sprang to her
feet
Come upstairs and put on one of
mine!" she cried excitedly.
Up the broad stairs the three little
girls tore wildly, leaving that elegant
French lady doll with her waxen smile
buried in the fur rug in front of the
sofa.
Hurry, hurry" cried Marian, as they
struggled with the fastenings Of the
bingham which was trifle small for
plump Dorothy. We'll be in time, af-
ter ALL"
A moment later Marian was pound
ing on the barn door. Rob thrust his
head out. He grinned broadly before
he thought, then he took in the smile
and put on an injured look.
II dunno whether I'm going to let
you in or not" he growled.
But he did at last, although he con-
tinued to look glum until Marian took
him aside and whispered something in
his ear After that he beamed again.
He fairly outdid himself in his trap
exc performance and felt fully repaid
when he heard Miss Boston say with a
chirp Of delight, "Why, he's like real
Snowman"
Then there was trick dog, then
other boys performed, and last of all
the trick monkey brought down the
house with his funny antics. Then
followed a glorious romp in the barn,
and a delicious lunch Of apple turn
overs and gingersnaps. Il never had
such a good time in all my life before"
said Dorothy, as she smoothed her
tangled locks and donned the pink
dress again.
Il never did, either said Miss Bos-
ton. That is the beautifullest dress
ever saw" she added. II mean to
ask my mother to buy me one just like
if "