 CHAPTER 1 DIMPLE AND BUBBLES Is you who sleep, Ms. Dimple? No, said Dimple drowsily. I'm are. Why, Bubbles, replied Dimple, if you were asleep you wouldn't be talking. Folks talks in their sleep sometimes, Ms. Dimple, answered Bubbles, opening her black eyes. Well, maybe they do, but your eyes are open now. I have heard of people sleeping with their eyes open. Return Bubbles, nothing abashed. Oh, Bubbles, I don't believe it. For that is how to go to sleep, Mama says. Shut your eyes and go to sleep. She never says, open your eyes and go to sleep. So there. Bubbles said thoughtfully, looking at her toes, having nothing to say when Dimple brought her Mama into the question. I'll tell you what, Bubbles, said Dimple, after Mama's pose, rising from the long grass where the two had been sitting. Let's play Indian. You make such a lovely Indian, just like a real one. I am almost afraid of you when you are painted up and have feathers on your head. Bubbles grinned at the compliment. I will be the white maiden to be captured, said Dimple, as Bubbles coolly proceeded to take off her frock, displaying a red fennel petticoat. I'll hunt up the feathers, and you get ready, Dimple went on. In the shawl we must have the striped shawl for the blanket. And running into the house, she soon came out with a little striped shawl and a handful of stiff feathers. The shawl was arranged over Bubbles' shoulders and produced a fine effect when the feathers were stuck in her head. Now, if you could only have the hatchet, you go get it, Bubbles. I descend, said Bubbles. Oh yes, you dare, Dimple said coaxingly. I'd go ask Mama, but it is so hot, and I've been in the house once. Deed, Miss Dimple, Bubbles began. Don't you deed me? I tell you to go and I mean it. I'll send you to the orphan asylum if you don't, and I wonder how you will like that. No more cakes, no more chicken, and cornbread for you, Miss Bubbles. Mush and milk, Miss. This dreadful treat had its desired effect, and Bubbles' bare black legs went scuddling through the grass, and were back in a twinkling. Hey, it is, she said. I was scared, show enough. Oh well, you're a goose, said Dimple, who ever heard of an Indian being scared of a hatchet. Now I will go into the woodshed, that is my house, you know, and you must sculk softly along, and when you get to the door bank it open with the hatchet, and give a hoop. So Dimple went in her house, and shut the door, fearfully peeping through the cracks once in a while, as the terrible faux-craps slowly nearer and nearer, when the terrific yell burst in. Please, Mr. Indian, don't sculp me. Ah, said the Indian. What shall I do, said Dimple? Make me take off my stockings and shoes, Bubbles, you know the captives must go barefooted. Arr, said the Indian, pointing to Dimple's feet. My shoes and stockings, well I will give them to you. And she quickly took them off. The Indian gravely tied them around his neck, and, taking Dimple by the hand, he let her forth in triumph. But here a disaster followed, for the captive, thinking it her duty to struggle, knocked the hatchet out of the Indian's hand, and it fell with its edge on Dimple's little white foot, making a bad gash. Oh, you've killed me sure enough! She cried. Oh, you wicked, wicked thing! Poor Bubbles cried quiet as hard as she, and begged not to be sent to the orphan asylum. Oh, your mother will whip me! She cried. I expect I ought to be killed, but deed I didn't mean to, Miss Dimple. I wished it had been my old black foot. I wished it had, sub-Dimple. Oh, I am bleeding all to nothing. Take me to Mama, Bubbles. Bubbles stooped down, and, being a little larger and stronger, managed to carry her to the house. Dimple's Mama was horrified when they appeared at the door. Bubbles involved paint and feathers, carrying the little barefooted girl, from whose food blood was dropping on the floor. What on earth is the matter? Oh, Dimple! Oh, Bubbles! What have you been doing? But Bubbles was so overcome by terror, and Dimple's by the side of the blood, that neither could explain till the food was washed and bandaged. Then poor Bubbles flung herself on the floor and begged not to be sent to the orphan asylum. You ridiculous child, said Dimple's Mama. Of course you ought to be careful, but it is not your fault any more than Dimple's. She should not have sent you for that hatchet. I am very sorry for my little Dimple. It is not so very serious, but she will not be able to walk for several days. Next time you want to play Indian, do without a hatchet. Put on your frog, Bubbles, and go into the kitchen, for I am sure I heard Sylvie call you. Bubbles went meekly out, and Dimple was soon asleep on the sofa. Bubbles' real name was Barbara. She was a child of a former servant who went away, leaving her, when she was about five years old with Mrs. Dulles. As the mother never came back, and no one could tell of her whereabouts, Bubbles gradually became a fixture in Dimple's home. Dimple when she was just beginning to talk, tried hard to say Barbara, but got no nearer to it than Bubbles, and Bubbles the little darkie was always cold. Dimple herself was cold so, from the deep Dimple in one cheek, everyone knew her by her pet name, and most persons forgot that her name ever was Eleanor. She and Bubbles were devoted comrades. Bubbles would cheerfully have let Dimple walk over her, and never forgot to call her Miss Dimple, thereby expressing her willingness to serve her. Dimple was the dearest little girl in the world, but considering Bubbles her special property made her do pretty much as she pleased, and her most dreadful threat was to send her to the orphan asylum. She had once said, Mama, if you hadn't let Bubbles stay here, where would you have sent her? To the orphan asylum, I suppose, her mama answered, and Bubbles hearing it was ever after an immortal terror of that place, for Dimple gave her a graphic description of it, telling her that she would never have anything to eat but mush and milk. Dimple's food did not get well as fast as she expected, and the little girl found it rather tiresome to lie on a lounge all day, although her mama read to her, and tried to amuse her. Bubbles too was as obedient a nurse as could be, and because she had been the cause of the accident, considered it her first and only duty to wait on Dimple. Mama, said Dimple, for a colored girl Bubbles is the nicest I ever saw, but indeed I should like a white girl to play with, just for a change. Couldn't you get me one? Perhaps so, said her mama. We will see what can be done. Goodbye, little girl, said her papa the next morning. I am going away, and will not be back till tomorrow. What shall I bring you? A new doll? Oh, please, papa, and papa, a white girl, if you can get one, that is real nice, something the same kind of girl that I am. A girl like you would be hard to find, I think, said he, laughing, but I'll inquire around, and see if there is one to be had. Bubbles looked very sober all day, and rolled her eyes around to Dimple, in such a reproachful way, that finally she said, I know just what you think, Bubbles, you believe I am going to send you to the orphan asylum, and get a white girl, but I am not at all. If I get a white girl I shouldn't want you all the same, because you will have to wait on her too. Bubbles' face lighted up, as she said. Did cross my heart, Miss Dimple, I didn't for sure think you was going to send me off, but I talk and talk you was conjuring up something against me. Why, Bubbles, I wouldn't do such a thing, unless you were out and out bad. It has been such a long day, she said, turning to her mama. When will it be to-morrow? Mrs. Dollars drew up a little table, and Bubbles brought Dimple's best set of dishes, and with a clean cloth, spread on first, the dishes were arranged. Then Bubbles brought in a little dish of chicken, a glass of jelly, light rolls, little cakes, a pitcher of milk, tea, sugar, and butter. And then Mrs. Dollars said, We will have our supper together, because Bubbles is away, and Bubbles can't wait on us here. Bubbles had disappeared, but presently came back with a bunch of roses, which she put in the middle of the table. Why, Bubbles, that is quite fine, said Dimple. And she ate her supper with the relish, after which the time seemed very short until to-morrow, for she was soon asleep. I believe this day is long, too, she said, toward the afternoon of the next day. When will papa come? Not till six o'clock, replied her mama. You must try to be patient, for I think you will be very glad when he gets here. I have sent Bubbles for a book, and I will read to you, to pass the time away. Six o'clock came at last, and soon after Dimple heard her papa's voice in the hall. Come right up, she heard him say. I do believe he has brought the white girl, she said, clasping her hands, and to be sure, when he opened the door, someone was behind him. This is the nearest IQ I could get, he said, and led forward someone in a gray frock and hat. Dimple screamed. Why, it is Florence! Oh, papa, you didn't say you were going to auntie's. No, I wanted to surprise you, he replied, and I thought your own cousin ought to be more like you than anyone else. Well, I am delighted. You are sure to stay a long, long time, Florence. Take off your hat and sit right here, she said, moving up to the lounge. I never had such a surprise. You forgot I promised a doll, too, said her papa, as he opened the package. I thought Florence would like one, so I brought two, as nearer like as if they were cousins, he added. Oh, you precious papa, said Dimple. Let me hug you all to pieces. I do think you are the most delightful man. I don't wonder Mama married you. When you go down, please send bubbles up here, so I can tell her I am almost glad she cut off my foot, for it is worth it to have Florence and a new doll, too. Bubbles came in, beaming. Bubbles, cried Dimple, see Florence and our new dolls and bubbles, you shall have one of my old ones, and bubbles, when I grow up, you shall live with me always because you cut my foot and you must never, never think of the orphan as I am again. Now tell me, Florence, she said, turning to her, all about your coming, didn't you have to get ready in a hurry? Yes, indeed, replied Florence, and oh, Dimple, I was so glad when Uncle asked Mama, and she said yes, and she just backed up my things in a jiffy, and we stopped at Papa's office, and said good-bye to him, and Uncle brought me oranges and papers on the cars, and we didn't seem a bit long coming. Well, I am too glad, returned Dimple, won't we have fun with the dolls? Oh, Florence, do it, you supper up here with me, instead of going downstairs. Of course, said Florence, unless you would rather go down, for Uncle said he would carry you. I know, said Dimple, but it is more fun to have it up here with my tea set and baboons to wait on us. So they had their tea upstairs, with the table set by the window, where the wisteria peeped in to look at them, and a little brown bird, quiet envious, put his head on one side, and stood in a sill a full minute before he flew away. Oh, I think this is just lovely here, said Florence, ever so much nicer than at our house. Do you think so? said Dimple, quite pleased. You have a lovely house, though, Florence. It is four stories high, and has such beautiful things in it, and when you look out of the windows there is so much to see, carriages and people all dressed up. Yes, and dirty old beggars and dragmen, said Florence, and nasty muddy streets. They both laughed. What cunning little doilies, said Florence, who worked the little figures on them. Mama, said Dimple, aren't they sweet? She always sends them up with my supper, one over the milk pitcher, and one over the cake. Do you like lots of sugar in your tea, Florence? Two lumps. Only two? Why, I like three, and I believe I could take another. Mama says I have a sweet tooth, but I don't know where it is, for I have put my tongue on all of them, and they all taste alike. Bubbles, go down and ask Mama if we may have a little teensy-weensy bit more honey. We are both so hungry. Bubbles took the little glass dish, and went off. I wish I had the bubbles, said Florence. We have a black man, but I think a little girl is ever so much nicer. Then there is a nurse who takes us to walk, and then there is Kate, the cook, and Lena, the chambermaid. They are always fussing and quarreling. I get tired of so many. We only have Silvian bubbles, said Dimple. Silvia is black, too. She is real nice, but she will get mad with bubbles sometimes. Bubbles cleans knives, and runs errands, sets the table, wipes the dishes, and is a lot of help. You don't know how much she can do, and she learns something new every little while. Have some more honey, Florence, for that piece of bread. I never can come out even. Sometimes I have to take more bread for the honey, and there more honey for the bread, till I do it so much. Have you finished? I believe I have, too. It is so nice here, said Florence, as they settle themselves after tea. Just delicious! It is so much pleasanter to see green grass and trees and flowers than brick walls and pavements. Do you play out of doors much? Yes, all day nearly. I haven't, since my foot was hurt. I couldn't run about, and I should have to wait for someone to bring me in. And I always want to be close to Mama when anything is the matter with me. Are you that way? Yes, said Florence, aren't Mama's the best thing in the world? I hope mine doesn't miss me. Now Florence, don't get homesick, for I shall be distressed if you do. Let's talk about the dolls. Here comes Mama. We will ask her what we can dress them in. Mama! Mama! Did you see our beauty dolls? Won't you get up your reserve back to-morrow? I have looked over my peace-box so much, and it would be perfectly splendid to have something I had never seen before. What is a reserve bag? Asked Florence. Why? You see? Said Dimple. Mama has a lot of bags, one for silk pieces, and one for white pieces, and one for pieces like our frogs, and so on, but the nicest is the one she keeps for occasions like Christmas and birthdays and fairs, and there are the prettiest bits of velvet and silk in it. Mama, bring out your reserve bag, that is a lovely blue-eyed Mama, said Dimple coaxingly. You are very complimentary. Said her Mama, laughing. If you want teas or verimi, to-morrow I will bring it out, and you can each choose what you want. Oh, Mama, you are lovelier and more blue-eyed than ever, said Dimple. Let us both kiss you. We will be good as gold, won't we, Florence? Yes, indeed, said she. Auntie, you are lovely. I think if you don't go to bed, said Mrs. Dallas, you will keep me awake all night with your flattery. Florence is to sleep with me, isn't she, Mama? Certainly, and the sooner you go, the sooner it will be to-morrow. Well, we will go now. See me right, Florence, said Dimple, as her Mama put her in a rocking chair, and pushed the chair along through the door into Dimple's little blue and white room. It was a dear little room, and Dimple, but the help of bubbles took care of it all herself. There was a white curtained window, around which roses and honeysuckle grew, and through their tendrils about in such a reckless way that one or two had made up their minds to live in the room instead of our doors, and were climbing around the window-sash. A little brass bedstead, a mantle with a blue and white lamber queen, a blue and white toilet set, pretty pictures on the wall, and a small bookshelf made a very cozy-looking nest for a little girl, and so Florence told, who had no room of her own, but slept with an older sister. They were both tired, and even the delightful topic of dolls could not keep them awake very long, for an half hour later when the moon looked in on her way across the sky, she saw them both sound asleep, an obern head of Florence's pillow, and a yellow one on Dimple's. CHAPTER II. A sweet little maid, by Amy L. Blanchard, CHAPTER II. DOLES. Florence and Dimple were on the back porch, where it was always cool in the morning. Bubbles was cleaning knives on the steps, with temptation to watch the dressing of the dolls being too great to keep her in the kitchen. I declare, said Dimple, we haven't named them yet. That is so, returned Florence. You take first choice, then, said Dimple. I shall have to think, for I have a rose, and a violet, and a lily, besides one named Victoria and one Aurelia. Florence said still, watching Bubbles briskly scaring her knives. D.M.A., she said presently, it's awfully hard. How do you suppose our mothers found names for us? Oh, that was easy enough, answered Dimple. I was named Eleanor after your mama, and you were named Florence after mine. But you see, we are not sisters, so we can't do that. I'll tell you what let's do. You tell mama the names you like best, and I will tell her those I like. Then she can write them down and put them in a hat, and we will draw lots for them. That will be a good plan, said Florence. She is coming now with the reserve-bag. Oh, oh, oh, they cried as Mrs. Dollars shook out its contents. Let Florence choose first, dear, said she as Dimple began making dives at the fluttering ends of silk. You may each have two pieces. Dimple looked a little disappointed. Being an only child, she was used to first choice herself, but she yielded with a very good grace. Florence finally chose a piece of maroon satin, and another of yellow-brocaded velvet, while Dimple picked out a piece of silk with velvet stripes of a lovely pink, and another bit of blue silk brocade. Mama, whispered she, give Bubbles a little piece, if she is back. And so the brightest bit of scarlet has picked out for Bubbles, who was made perfectly happy by it. Now, names, exclaimed Dimple, as the rest of the pieces were returned to the bag. First Florence won, and then I won. How many Florence? Four, I think. Ethel first for me. No, you choose first, Dimple. I had first choice in the pieces. No, your company. Being company, Florence took her rights, and Ethel went down. Blanche for me, Mama, said Dimple. And Celestine for me, auntie. Irene, said Dimple. Geraldine, said Florence. Adil, said Dimple. My last, said Florence. Rubina. Oh, what a lovely name, exclaimed Dimple. If you don't draw it, I should like it, so I won't say any more till you have drawn. The slips were shaken up in the head, and Florence, with eyes shut, drew out Celestine. I am glad, she said. I believe I like that best. It has a sort of heavenly sound, and my doll is angelic. Well, Mama, I will take Rubina. You don't care, do you, Florence? No indeed, I am glad you like it. Now they are named, we will dress them. How are you going to dress yours, Dimple? I think I'll have a skirt of the blue, and the waist of the pink. No, the other way. You look best, because the velvet is thickest, the skirt of pink, and the waist of blue. Well, I will have to make my doll's frock of all the same, with velvet trimming. Will that look well? Lovely, what are you going to do with your piece, Bubbles? Make an over-skirt for Floridae alabamy, said Bubbles, importantly. Who? said Dimple, with her scissors ready to cut into the pink. Floridae alabamy. What a name, shrieked Dimple, throwing back her head in a fit of laughter. Florence, did you hear that? Floridae alabamy. And the girls laughed till the tears ran down their cheeks. Bubbles, you are too ridiculous, said Dimple, while Bubbles pinned her bit of scarlet on her doll. Just then Sylvie called her, and she ran off, holding her doll admiringly at arm's length. She will dress it just like a darkie. You see, said Dimple, she has a purple dress on it now. Think of that with a scarlet over-skirt, and I know she will make it a blue waist out of one of my old sash ribbons I gave her. And sure enough, Floridae alabamy did wear the three colors in triumph. Do you like big or little dolls best? asked Florence. I don't know, said Dimple. I think rather big or real little. Middle sizes are too hard to dress. They have to have such little fidgety sleeves and waist. I have two little dolls upstairs, and we can dress them up next. I believe one of them has an arm of, but it can be mended. How many dolls have you? Four now, answered Florence. I had five, but get through it broke one. Get through it is such a mischief. I have to keep all my things locked up. I hope to Godness that they won't let her get it them while I'm away. Oh, you must make a traveling dress for Celestine. I have a piece of gray linen that he will just do. By the time the dinner bear rang, both the dolls were dressed gorgeously. Aren't they lovely, papa? said Dimple, as she hopped out to meet him. Yes, they look like two butterflies, he said, lifting her up, doll and all. Are you having a good time, Florence? I hope Dimple hasn't pinched or scratched you yet. Why, papa, said Dimple, looking very much hurt, Florence will think I'm a regular little cat. But seeing a twinkle in his eyes, she knew he was only in fun, and was consoled by the kiss he gave her, as he put her in her chair at the table. There was a long afternoon before them, and although Dimple could not walk very well with her bandaged food, she managed to get down to her favorite place, under a big tree, where the grass was long and thick. Now, we can play beautifully with our dolls, Florence, she said, and have no one to disturb us, for Bubbles doesn't count, she has to be in the kitchen for a while anyhow. They had not been out very long before Bubbles came running to them. There's a lady and a boy in the house, Miss Dimple, she said, and your mama's bringing the boy out here. A boy! said both the girls in horror. Think of it, Florence, a horrid boy! What will we do with him? I can't run, and boys despise dolls. As for talking, I never could talk to boys, they shut me up like a clam. I always feel as if they wanted to get away, and I believe they would if they could, said Dimple in a disgusted tone. But by this time Mrs. Dollas had come up to them. This is Rock Hardy, girls, said she, as Dimple is a little lame, I brought him out here rather than take her in the house, and so, saying, she left them. There was a deep silence after they had shaken hands, all looking rather bashful for a few minutes. Finally Rock took courage to say, What pretty dolls! This was encouraging. Florence and Dimple exchanged pleased glances. Do you think they are pretty? asked Dimple. I thought boys hated dolls. I don't, said Rock. I played with them myself for a long time, and I have one now, but I don't play with it because I like to read better. He is a nice boy, thought the girls. How funny! said Florence. How came you to play with dolls? Why, you see, I haven't any brothers and sisters. When I was a little fellow, I used to get so lonely that my mother dressed a boy doll for me, and I talked to it and pretended it was another boy. I haven't any brothers or sisters either, said Dimple, but Florence has. I have bubbles, though. Everybody can't have a bubbles. She is next best to a sister or a cousin. Who is bubbles? asked Rock. She is the little colored girl you saw when you came out of the house. She has lived here ever since I was a baby. She is a year older than I am. Her mother ran off and left her, and she is real nice to play with. Dimple was fast getting over her embarrassment. Don't you go to school? asked Rock. No, Mama has always thought me at home, but I am going next year. It is vacation now. Yes, I know, said Rock. That is why we came here. We are going to stay for some time. I like to play with girls. Will you let me come and play with you sometimes? Yes, indeed, said Dimple, in her warm hearted way. My food is nearly well, and I can soon run about. I think I should like to play with a nice boy. I hope I am a nice boy, said Rock, but I don't know. I suppose everybody is mean sometimes. I think you look nice, said Dimple honestly, looking at him from head to foot. Why don't you say something, Florence? Florence does appeal to, could say nothing. Florence is my cousin, said Dimple. She lives in Baltimore, and she came here yesterday. Why I live in Baltimore, said Rock. What street do you live on, Florence? Florence told him, and they found it was the next street to that on which Rock lived, so they all began to feel like old friends. If I had my scroll so here, I could make you each a chair for your dolls, said Rock. Maybe my mother will let me send for it. I will ask her. Oh, that would be lovely, said the girls. And I will lend you some of my books to read, said Dimple. If you will please hand me that little cane. We will go in, and you can choose them. Oh, thank you, said Rock. I shall like to have them, for I like to read better than do anything else. They all went in and found Rock's mother and Mrs. Dulles in the parlour. Dimple told her mama what they had come for, and her mama suggested her taking Rock into the library first, as he might find something there that he liked. So Rock was taken to the bookcase, and found there a book of travels he had been wanting to read, so he bade them good-bye, with it under her arm, promising soon to come again. Then Dimple and Florence returned to the garden, and they had left a colony of grasshoppers imprisoned in a small house built for them out of the bits of wood and bark. Baby Grasshopper has gone, said Florence, in dismay, as she peeped into to see the prisoners. I knew he would get out. He was so little, returned Dimple. Let's set them all free, Florence. We'll pretend that they escaped in the night, or that peace has been declared. Or that the tornado blew down their prison. Yes, that will be the best. We'll grow real hard, and maybe it will come down. So with cheeks much puffed out, they blew and blew, but without a wail, and finally they picked up their heads and fanned the little bark's structure so vigorously that it toppled over, and the grasshoppers escaped in every direction, the children laughing to see how quickly they disappeared. They sat there in the grass, wondering what to do next when Dimple exclaimed, There comes Papa with Mr. Coulter. He is the carpenter, you know. I wonder what is he going to do? See, Mr. Coulter is measuring the ground, and Papa is explaining something. I can tell by the way he keeps doing so, with his hand. He always does that when he is explaining. Help me up, Florence, and let's go over there to see what's going on. Papa must mean to have something built. I hope it isn't a fence. No, it can be that, for it would be too near to the other one. Isn't it funny to watch men talking? They do so many funny things. Mr. Coulter keeps nodding his head like a horse. Florence laughed and they made their way over to where the two men stood. As soon as they were within speaking distance, Dimple began to put her questions. Are you going to build something, Papa? What is it? Please don't say it's a fence, or a pigsty. Mr. Coulter chuckled as he went on laying his food-drill along the ground. I hope it won't turn into a pigsty, Mr. Dollars replied with a smile. It won't, unless little pigs get into it. Are you going to keep little pigs, Dimple asked. I didn't say so. Oh, Papa, you are so misdefarious. I wish you would tell us all about it. What are you going to build? Any sort of house? Yes, one sort of house. What is it to be for? Little chicks. Ah, Dimple was quite satisfied. I see. You need a new hen-house. Isn't the old one big enough? To be sure we don't get very many eggs just now, for so many of the hens are sitting. Oh, I know, maybe you are going to build a place like Mr. Linn's with a... What is that thing? A incubator. You are going to have one of those. And the brooder, are you, Papa? I haven't decided exactly what is to be in it, just yet. I think we'll let Mama see it to that. She knows best what is needed. You shall know all about it in good time. But, Dimple, I don't want you to worry Mr. Coulter with questions, and I want you two little girls to keep away from the building while the work is going on. Yes, Uncle. Florence gave her promise promptly. Yes, Papa, but... Dimple was disappointed. She dearly liked to watch the workmen when they came on the place, and she felt this was a deprivation which seemed unnecessary. Why, Papa, can't we look at the workmen? We won't ask questions and bother them," she said. I think it is best that you shouldn't this time. Can't you trust Papa? When the proper times comes, I will show you the whole thing and explain it all. Meanwhile, I want you to be an obedient little girl and keep out of the way. Dimple looked up wistfully. Won't you please your father by minding what he says? continued Mr. Dulles. Yes, Papa, replied Dimple faintly. I will be sure to mind, only I wish you could let me see that house going up. It is such fine to climb about over the boards and things. I know it is, and I know I am requiring a great deal of you, but I think in the end you will see why," returned her father. Have we many little chicks to go in it? I mean, will there be a great many? Mr. Dulles and Mr. Coulter glanced at each other and smiled. Then Mr. Dulles said, It might be a good plan to go to the barn and see how old Speckle is getting on. Her time is about up, so perhaps we'll find some little chicks. I'll carry you there on my back. And maybe we'll find some eggs," spoke a Florence, who dearly liked to hunt eggs. We found two yesterday. Indeed, Uncle, I think you do need more hangs. For auntie said yesterday that she didn't get all the eggs she wanted. They found old Speckle ready to be quiet flustered when they took her off the nest, for they found that four little chicks were already hatched, and the shells of the several other eggs were chipped. Mr. Dulles gave the children each two of the little chicks to carry up to the house, that they might be kept safely till Speckle came out with the rest of the brood, and bubbles who had followed them, throttled along behind with her hands full of the eggs they were fortunate enough to find. The new building was begun at once, and Dimple found it hard to keep away from it, but she resolutely struck to her promise. One day, to be sure, she did not venture nearer than usual, but suddenly she exclaimed in a loud voice, Get the hands, Satan! and turning grand directly into bubbles who as usual had followed her. What did you call me, Miss Dimple? exclaimed bubbles in an aggrieved tone. You! Oh, I wasn't talking to you. This seemed rather a lame excuse to bubbles, since no one else was near. Yes, you is call me something, she insisted. They ain't nobody else. There was somebody else, Dimple replied with dignity. And don't you contradict me. I reckon I know what I'm talking about better than you do. This puzzled bubbles, but it also silenced her, although she looked furtively around to see where Dimple's hidden acquaintance might be, that somebody else to whom she spoke so defiantly. It's that no count little nigger Jim I'll be bound. She muttered under her breath. You don't shy a stone at the birds and that make Miss Dimple mad. She don't know nobody abused the birds. Thus settling the matter, she cheerfully smiled when Dimple gave her glance and Dimple laughed. Then she stood still. Bubbles, she said. Papa never said you mustn't go near that house, did he? No. Well, just go peeping and tell me what it looks like. From the looks of the outside I should say that it's nearly done. You peeping at the window. Bubbles obeyed and came back with the information. It's got a flow on the stove. Ah, Dimple pondered. Oh, yes, that's to keep the baby chicks warm, I suppose. I wish I could see it for myself. Is that all, Bubbles? Yes, some. I wish I hadn't told you to peep in, Dimple remarked after a pause. I don't believe it was quite honest for me to do it, and I'll have to be uncomfortable till I tell Mama or Papa. You oughtn't to have peeped, Bubbles. You told me to. So I did, but, well, you shouldn't have done it just the same. Bubbles rolled her eyes reproachfully and began to mutter. There, never mind, it wasn't your fault. Dimple confessed hastily. But although Bubbles's countenance cleared, Dimple herself did not feel at ease till she had told her mother which she did that night at bedtime. It was not right, her mother told her, and was a bad example to Bubbles. That is where the trouble often comes in. Not so much in the actual wrong we do, but is effect upon others. I do want to see so very much. Papa never made it so hard for me before. I know it, dear. I have realized very clearly all along how hard it must be for you, but I think when you do know you will be so pleased that you will forget this part of it. I am glad my little girlie was brave enough to tell of her asking Bubbles to peep. Kissing her good night, Mr. Dulles left her little girl feeling comforted. End of Chapter 2 Chapter 3 OF A SWEET LITTLE MADE This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Diana Meilinger. A SWEET LITTLE MADE by Amy L. Branchard. Chapter 3 A Quarrel Raining! Isn't that too bad? Florence leaning on one elbow in bed and looking out of the window. Mm-hmm, said Dimple sleepily from her pillow. Florence slipped out of bed and stood looking dollfully at the falling drops. What do you suppose the birds do, Dimple? She asked, going up to her, and softly shaking her. Oh, said Dimple, now awake, and sitting up in bed rubbing her eyes. I suppose they get under the leaves just as we do under an umbrella, or they go under the eaves, and places like that. I have seen them lots of times. It is raining, isn't it, Florence? I said so long ago, answered Florence. Now we can go out of doors to play, and it is so nice outdoors. I don't see the sense of its raining in summer. Why, returned Dimple, sitting down on the floor to put on her shoes and stockings? That is the very time of it to rain, or everything would dry up. Well, I wish it didn't have to, said Florence, coming away from the window and sitting on the floor too. What colour stockings do you like best, Dimple? I don't know, black I think, don't you? I believe I do. My, there's a breakfast bell, and we're only beginning to get dressed. You fasten my buttons, and I will fasten your, Dimple, so we will get dressed in a hurry. Their fingers flew, and they rushed down to breakfast two steps at a time. It was so dark this morning that we went to sleep again after you called us, Mama, explained Dimple. I will excuse you this time, but your breakfast is not as warm as it would have been earlier, said Mrs. Dollas, and Papa had to go away without his morning kiss. I am sorry, said Dimple. Cold eggs aren't very good, she went on pushing away her plate. What can we do today, Mama? What should you like to do? I don't know, returned Dimple. My feelings hurt me rainy days, and I don't know what I want. Mrs. Dollas smiled, as she replied. You might make paper dolls, they are good rainy day people. That would be one thing. Then you can paint. I haven't bought one brush, and I have used up all the books and papers you gave me to paint in. I can find some more, perhaps, and you and Florence can take turn about with the paintbrush. Dimple looked as if that would not suit very well, and Florence, seeing her look, felt a little hurt. Paper dolls did not amuse them very long, and when Dimple was ready to color the pictures Mrs. Dollas had found for them, Florence declined absolutely to paint at all. So they both sat with their elbows on the windowsill, decidedly out of humor. Florence, said Dimple presently, I have an idea. Do you see that hoax hat down there? It is running over. I see it, said Florence. What of it? It isn't anything very wonderful. Well, you needn't be so disagreeable, said Dimple. What I was going to say is this. Let's make paper boats and put paper dolls in them. We can pretend the hoax hat is Niagara Falls, and the water that runs down the gutter can be Niagara River. We will get sopping wet. Oh, no, we won't. It isn't raining so awfully hard. I will put on my rubber waterproof, and you can put on mamas. We can sleep around there without anyone seeing us, for mamas is busy on the other side of the house. Don't you think it would be fun? Yes, said Florence doubtfully. Let's hurry and make the boats, then. Which paper dolls shall we take? The ugliest, I think, because they will be all drowned anyhow. And don't let's take any pretty frocks, because we can make dolls to fit the frocks when days are drowned. With paper boats, dolls and waterproofs, they stall softly down the front stairs, and shutting the door after them very gently, ran around the house to the hoax hat. The roses were heavy with rain, and the honeysuckle shook big drops on them as they ran by. The boats went topsy-turvy over the falls, upsetting the dolls, who went careering down the stream to the great delight of the children. They played till the last boat load was lost beyond all hope, and then with wet feet and streaming sleeves, they crapped back to the house. Now what shall we do? It was lots of fun-dimple, said Florence, but I know your mother is cold, when she sees how wet our feet are, and your food just well too, and see my sleeves. If we change our clothes, she will wander, and then, what shall we do? I don't think it was a bit of harm, said Dimple, determined to brave it out. But it won't do to keep these wet frocks on. I know, we will go up into the ethic, take them off, and hang them up to dry. Then we can dress up in other things. There are trunks and boxes full of clothes up there, and we can play something. So we can, exclaimed Florence, that is a perfectly lovely plan. Do you think our clothes will dry before supper? Of course, said Dimple. Anyhow, it will be fun to put on trains and things. Come on. They raced up to the garret, and were soon diving into the boxes and trunks of winter clothing that Mrs. Dollos had packed away. Here, said Dimple, on her knees before a trunk, take this skirt of mamaz, and she dragged out a cashmere skirt. Florence, see what is in those band boxes, and get us each a bonnet, while I'll hunt for a shawl or coat or something. After much tumbling up for clothing, she found what she wanted, and they had taken off their frocks when they heard Mrs. Dollos calling. Children, where are you? Both were silent for a moment, and stood with quickly beating hearts. After a second call, Dimple mustered up courage to answer. Up here, mama. Where? In the garret. What are you doing? Just playing. Well, don't get into any mischief. Came from the bottom of the stairs, and then Mrs. Dollos went off. Presently there came another fright, a footstep on the stairs. Who is that? Asked Dimple fearfully. May came the answer, as bubbles his woolly head appeared. It is only bubbles, said Dimple, much relieved. Come on, bubbles, we are dressing up, and usual too. But if you dare to tell on us, of you go to the orphan's island. I wouldn't tell for nothing, Miss Dimple, said she, as Dimple threw her an old wrapper. I am going to be Lady Malrose and Florence Lady Beckwith. You can be... Oh Florence, let dress bubbles up in a coat and trousers, and have her for a footman. All right, said Florence, and, checking with laughter, bubbles was a tired and coat, trousers and tall head. Oh, she is too funny, said Florence, holding her sides. Where is my bonnet? That's mine, exclaimed Dimple, as Florence possessed herself of a bonnet with feathers in it. Well, it's my mother's, I reckon, and I have the best right to it. Well, I'm company, and you are very impolite. I'm not," retorted Dimple, getting very red in the face. You are. I'd have my mother teach me how to behave if I were you, Dimple Dollas. You horrid red-headed thing, cried Dimple, now thoroughly angry. I'd like to know how you would look in a garnet well with bonnet anyhow. You'd better take something that's not quite so near the color of your hair. My hair isn't red, it's auburn," said Florence, bursting into a sub. And I'm not going to stay here another minute. I'm going straight home to my mother. And she tore off the clothes in which she had decked herself, leaving them in a heap on the floor. She snatched up her red frock and ran downstairs. Dimple sat quiet still after Florence left her. She did not dare to go downstairs for fear of encountering her mother and yet, suppose Florence should really mean to go home. How dreadful! She considered a question till she could bear it no longer and slowly putting on her own clothes she grabbed downstairs, hoping as she went from room to room that she would find Florence. She even peep cautiously on upon her mother, busy with her sewing, but no Florence was to be seen. Perhaps she has started to go home. Dimple sat to herself in real alarm. Oh dear, I hope there hasn't been any train along that she could take. She put on her hat seized an umbrella from the rack and sell it forth. It was still raining hard and as she splashed along the little girl was very miserable. It was quiet to walk to the railway station and Dimple heard her steps, fearing she might be too late to intercept her cousin. She entered the waiting room of the station and looked anxiously around. No Florence was there. Her heart sank and she turned to go. Florence had really meant what she said and her aunt and cousins in Baltimore what would they think of her? The tears began to roll down Dimple's cheek as she looked up and down the long track. She did not know what to do next. It would be so dreadful to go home and tell her mother that she had driven her cousin away from her business. She was about to turn toward home when she be told herself of making some inquiry about the trains and she entered the waiting room again. Standing on tiptoe she asked the ticket agent when was the last train to Baltimore? Next train leaves at four fifty said the man without looking up. Not the next train but the last train. When did it go? Last train the man glanced up. At two fifteen. Thank you. It was with a sense of relief that she heard him give the time. Florence had not left the house so long ago as that. It was now after four and two hours had not elapsed since they were playing in the garret. So she went slowly out but suddenly remembered that Florence was not at home. Where was she? Perhaps she was lost. She didn't know her way about very well, Dimple reflected and she could easily have taken a wrong turn. I'll just have to look for her, that's all, told Dimple and the little feet battered along in the rain getting wetter and wetter each moment. Up once through it and down another one, Dimple, but there was no sign of Florence and the child's repentance grew stronger as she travelled on. Her imagination saw Florence in a dozen different plights each one worse than the last. Accidents of various kinds disasters of every possible nature even the very improbable idea that she had been stolen by gypsies rose to the child's mind till terror-stricken she flew along scarcely knowing which way she went. She was conscious of steadily pursuing footsteps behind her but she did not turn to look until the feet came nearer and nearer and a soft, plaintive voice called Oh, Miss Dimple, stop! Please stop! On the ground she saw that Bubbles had followed her. It was a relief to see the familiar face and Dimple forlornly dropped into her little maid's arms crying, Oh Bubbles, oh Bubbles, Florence is lost. None, she ain't! replied Bubbles with confidence. Oh, how do you know? Because she came in the front door just as I went to the yard. I never stopped to ask her nothing for I seen you a kitten down street and I put off to you likeadly split. All of a sudden I lost sight of you and I've been astounding on the corner waiting for you to come back. I know you bleached across to get home and I've been awaiting for you. Oh Bubbles, oh Bubbles, I'm so glad but I'm so tired and so wet and Osir, I'm afraid to tell mama and I'm so miserable I never was so miserable. Bubbles looked as sympathetic as the occasion required and trotted along by Dimple's aside holding the umbrella over her and trying to suggest all manner of comforting things. It will be all over before you is twice married, Miss Dimple, and hit more to be worse. Suppose that Miss Florence was lost sure enough then you might tack on. She's safe and sound. Just you came in the back way and I'll give you some dry things and I won't say nothing. I just know she won't and you can get dry by the kitchen fire. I recommend Miss Florence my ashamed of self kicking up all this rampage about nothing. But Dimple shook her head. It wasn't about nothing. I behave just as mean as could be and I'm the one to be ashamed. I'll go straight to mama. It will be best for she would find out anyhow and deceived her about it. Bubbles was not to be convicted that her beloved Miss Dimple was at all in the wrong but Dimple would not change her mind being in a state of great humility and penitence and finally Bubbles gave up trying to dissuade her. Florence had reached home long before. Indeed she had not gone very far before her anger cooled although she was still very much hurt but she concluded it would be not right to start off for her own home who had been so kind to her. This thought added to her unhappiness and she went to Dimple's room throwing herself on the floor crying bitterly. The sound of her sobs brought the Mrs. Dollos from the next room. Why Florence? She said seeing the little girl prone upon the floor. What is the matter? Why have you taken off your frock? Oh aunty! subbed Florence. Please let me go home. I'll stay. Are you home sick? asked her aunt as she took her up on her lap and pushed back the damp hair from her face. Poor little girl! A fresh burst of tears was the only answer. Where is Dimple? asked Mrs. Dollos. But Florence only cried a harder and her aunt was forced to put her down with an uncomfortable sense of there being something wrong. She went directly up to the attic but it was silent. Dimple was not there. Neither was Bubbles. A new amount of search revealed them. She went back to Florence who dried her tears and unburdened her heart and then in her term became alarmed about Dimple since no amount of hunting disclosed her whereabouts. Mrs. Dollos was herself becoming much worried when the door slowly opened and a mischewed little figure stood before them with soaking garments and sudden shoes. For a moment Dimple stood then ran forward and buried her head in her mother's lap. Mama! she sobbed. It was all an account of the weather. I caused Florence out of the hog's head and when we got wet and didn't know how to get out of it and we went up into the attic and I felt northy all the time and we got mad and oh dear I wish the sun would shine. I am afraid from what I hear that you have been the one who killed all this mischief a stir said her mother. I thought I could just my little girl. Think Dimple! What's the day's work? You have tempted your cousin to do wrong first by going out in the wet and again by meddling with the clothing upstairs. Then you hurt her feelings and quarreled with her and now you blame the weather for it all besides setting a bad example to bubbles. Where have you been my child? Tried to find Florence's mama. I walked and walked and I was so worried and oh mama I thought all sorts of dreadful things. I went to the station Florence and I found out there that you hadn't really gone home and I thought you were lost and that the cars had run over you or the gypsies had stolen you or dead. Oh I'm so miserable! She caught her breath and she worried with cold and excitement. Her mother was unfastening her red garment. She felt that Dimples's northness had brought its own punishment. I think Florence has changed her mind about going home, she said quietly. Dimple raised a tear-stained face. Oh Florence have you? She exclaimed. I'm so glad. I don't want you to think I don't love you for I do. I love you dearly dearly Florence and I think your hair is lovely. This was too much for Florence's tender heart and she sobbed out. It was my fault too Dimple. I said hateful things and I couldn't forgive myself when I thought you had gone, I didn't know where. I had no business to scare you so. Please unflow, kiss us and forgive us and please for my sake don't scold Dimple. Mrs. Dallas gathered the two little penitents into her loving arms. They were so truly sorry and had suffered really more than they deserved. I think Dimple sees her fault quietly dear. Florence was told. But I am afraid you will both be ill and so I think I must put you to bed not for punishment, but because you must be kept warm and must have something hot to keep you from taking cold. Where is Bubbles Dimple? Wasn't she with you? Not all the time Mama, but she came after me and found me on the corner. Please don't punish her. I understand that and I know she did not mean to do wrong. She did what she felt to be her duty to you. I'll not scold her nor punish her, daughter. Dimple gave a sigh of relief and pressed her red cheek against her mother's. Please kiss me, Mama she whispered and then I'll know you forgive Northamy. Mrs. Dallas immediately consented and when she left the room two very contrite little girls cuddled up close to each other and took without a murmur the hot herb tea which Mrs. Dallas brought to them and the next morning when they woke low the sun was shining and not an ache nor a painted either little girl feel to remind her of the dready yesterday. End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Of A Sweet Little Maid This Liberwax recording is in the public domain. Recording by Diana Meilinger A Sweet Little Maid by Amy Ella Blanchard Chapter 4 Housebreakers Despite all this unpleasant experience it was only about a week later that Dimple and Florence came near getting into trouble again. This time however it was Florence who set the ball rolling it was not exactly from a spirit of mischief but because her fancy was appealed to it and because she did not see any harm in what she proposed. The two girls had been to take a note to Mrs. Hardy and on their way home they passed a pretty house and grounds which greatly attract Florence. Oh, do let us stop and look in, she said. I think this is the very prettiest place here, don't you Dimple? Yes, was the reply. I like it best. The grounds are so lovely. See those roses. The two pressed their faces against the iron railing and let their eyes wander over the lawn and beyond. How very quiet it is, Florence remarked presently. We can't hear a sound except the wind among the trees and the robins singing. There doesn't seem to be a soul about. Who lives here, Dimple? The Atkinsons Mama and Papa know them. Are there any little children? Not now. There used to be a little girl named Stella but she died two years ago and now there's only their eldest son living. He has just gone abroad with his mother. That is why it's so quiet. They are all away. You see, the house is shut up. Ah, I wonder if they would mind if we went and looked around. Do you think they would mind? I should love so to go and sit on their porch for a few minutes. Dimple hesitated. She wasn't quite sure that it would be right for them to go in, especially when no one was at home. As Florence went on, it would be just exactly the same as if we went there to call and they should happen to be out. It won't hurt anybody or anything for us to walk around and look at the grounds. At last Dimple consented. So they lifted the latch of the gate and shut it behind them very gingerly. Do you often come here? Asked Florence when they had made their tour of the grounds and the shadow of the vines. Not so very often, but I have been here with Mama when she came to call. I remember Stella very well. She died of diphtheria and they have a lovely portrait of her. She was such a pretty little girl and the portrait shows her with a great big dog she used to have. How I should like to see the portrait, wouldn't it be nice if the door should suddenly open and we could walk right in? Dimple laughed. I'd be scared if that should happen. The house is beautiful inside. I never saw so many pretty things. Mrs. Atkinson's father was a naval officer and she has curiosities from all over the world. I wish Mrs. Atkinson had said Dimple, here are the keys. Come as often as you like while we are away. In fact, I wish you could try to come in and look around once in a while to see if everything's all right. Maybe she would have said if she had thought of it, returned Dimple, for she is always so nice and pleasant. Florence cast her eyes up and down the side of the house. Then she went out on the lawn at the side and looked up. Dimple, come here. She called and her cousin obeyed. We could get in as easily as anything, said Florence. See, that's a very easy tree to climb and that long branch goes right over the upper porch. We could reach that. Then we could go in by raising the window. If the window is not fastened down maybe there is someone in the house after all. I shouldn't think they would leave it with no one ever to look after it. We might go around to the back door and see. Let's try climbing the tree anyhow. It will be easy enough to do that and won't do a bit of harm. See, I'm going and Florence put her foot against the rough bark and swung herself up reaching the porch without difficulty. But Dimple would not follow and her cousin climbed down again not however as easily as she had gone up. It was nothing at all to do, she declared. I think you might try it, Dimple. I'll tell you what we'll do. Let's bring out those tomorrow and go up there to play. I'm sure if I had a pretty place like this I'd be glad if two little girls like us would come and enjoy it. Oh, Dimple, you don't know how fine it is on that upper porch. It would be a finest place in the world to play in. The idea took such possession of her that the next morning she broached the subject again. I'll ask Mama, said Dimple, at last consenting with this proviso. But Mrs. Dulles had gone out to spend the morning with a friend and finally Florence's persuasions overcome Dimple's crouples and with Celestine and Rubina they sat forth. At first Florence was contented to play on the corner porch but the memory of the day before was too much for her and she again climbed up to the upper porch. Do come up, Dimple, she coaxed. You have no idea how fine it is with the tree all around. It's just like a nest. And Dimple decided that she would try it too. Wait, we mustn't leave the dolls, Florence said. I wish we had a piece of string. See if you can find a piece, Dimple. After much searching Dimple haunted up an end of rope which he found by the kitchen shed and brought around. We'll just do, she asked. Finally, can you throw it so I can catch it? I don't know. Maybe I could if I tied the stone to it. Don't let it hit you, Florence. After several attempts the rope was landed and when the dolls were fastened to it they were drawn safely up and then Dimple made her ascent successfully. It is nice, she declared. Isn't it fun to be here where no one can see us? I wonder if that window will open. She gave the shudders a little shake and, lo, they offered no resistance and opened easily and the latch being out of order the window, too, yielded to their efforts and before they knew it they were inside. Now we are here we might as well go through the house said Florence and you can show me that portrait. They proceeded stealthily through rooms whose furniture was swayed in sheets to keep away the dust. It all looked rather barren desolate upstairs in the dim rooms and below, especially in the dining room where a big bay window led the flood of light when the inside shudders were opened. Let's pretend it's our house and keep house really. Florence exclaimed Here is a broom and a duster I'll sweep and you can dust. Then if we can find some dishes we'll set the table I wish we had brought something to eat. Oh Dimple you haven't shown me the portrait yet Where is it? In the library Come, we'll go there now. My but it's dark in here Florence exclaimed as they entered the room Let's open the shutters a little so we can see the picture This they managed to do shutting the windows carefully It seems dark still Dimple remarked I wonder what makes this such a dark room Just then they heard a mildly crash and both stared then clunked to each other whispering What's that? It is thunder said Dimple when a second peel was heard Oh how dark it is Come Florence, we must hurry Open the window and shut the shutters as quick as you can and I'll go to the dining room We must leave everything as we found it Don't leave me Florence implored I can't bear to be alone when the lighting flashes so and together they fastened the shutters and the windows then ran to the porch where they had left their dolls An angry gust was blowing the dust about furiously The trees swayed and creaked fleshing their branches about in a very terrifying way The thunder growled and muttered while sharp flashes of lighting zigzagged across the sky almost incessantly We would never dare to go down the tree while it is blowing so said Florence after they had surveyed the scene for a moment in silence But it is beginning to rain Oh dear, what shall we do? It's coming down a perfect torrent Come back Florence We'll have to go inside cried Dimple and snatching up their dolls they'd retreated into the house in no enviable state of mind between fear of the tempest and alarm at being obliged to stay alone where they were We might as well make ourselves comfortable said Florence at last Suppose we go down to the library or the dining room We can open the inside shutters and it won't seem so gloomy I'd rather see the lightening than stay up here in the dark Oh dear, I wish we hadn't come at all sigh Dimple I wish we were safe at home Mama will be so worried for she won't know where we are I do wish we hadn't come Florence was very uncomfortable but she tried to brave it out Anyhow, she said it's a great deal better than to be out in the storm I am sure Aunty will be very glad when she knows we were safe here and it isn't as you had come to a perfectly strange house The Atkinsons are your friends and they won't mind a bit are coming here for shelter I know they won't they'd be very heart-hearted if they did mind Yes, I suppose so return Dimple, somewhat comforted Very likely your mama isn't bothering at all about us Florence went on She probably hasn't gone home herself on account of the storm They had been conversing together at the top of the stairs and now made their way to the dining room where after opening the shutters they stood looking out of the rain The peels of thunder had died away into distant motherings but it was still raining hard Somehow we always get into trouble when it rains, Dimple remarked Don't let's talk about that returned Florence See how the raindrops dance up and down Little water ferries they are Don't they look as if they were having a good time? Yes, but I'm getting hungry I wonder if it isn't most dinner time Do you suppose it will rain all afternoon Florence? I don't know If it holds up we'll have to run between the drops But how can we get out? We could never climb down that soaping wet tree and we would be very wicked to leave any part of the house down here unfastened Someone might see us and try to get in They lapsed into a grave silence which was presently broken by a startled What's that? from Dimple She heard a sound like a click of a key turning in a latch They listened fearfully as the sound was followed by the shutting of a door and the noise of footsteps along the hole The two girls looked at each other Let's hide whispered Florence Before they had decided what to do a man was seen standing in the doorway It was Mr. Atkinson Well, well, well he exclaimed Where did you little girls come from? You came in out of the rain, I suppose But how did you manage it? Why, Eleanor? Is it you? I declare I didn't know you It is fortunate you managed to escape the storm It was a hard one Dimple stood very much confused Her color coming and going and her eyes very bright But she summoned up courage to make the confession We did come in out of the rain, Mr. Atkinson But no one let us in and we didn't happen to come here on account of the storm You didn't? Come here then and tell me about it He drew her to his side and looked down at her very kindly She dropped her eyes and hung her head in confusion and went on We... We thought it was so pretty here and we thought you wouldn't mind if we came and brought our dolls and sat on the porch a little while We didn't think you'd care if we were very good and didn't touch anything Then it was so easy to climb the tree and get on the other porch and when we got there Why, I wanted to show Flora as the portrait of your little girl and we did not have to force a shutter at all It opened just as easy and so did the window and we went downstairs and while we were looking at the portrait the storm came up and we were afraid to climb down the tree It was blowing about so and we didn't like to go out any other way and leave the windows upstairs and fastened So we stayed Mr. Atkinson listened quietly So you were housebreakers Don't you know that's a prison offence? Burglary is a pretty serious crime He looked very serious and then Paul did not see the twinkle in his eyes Her own grew round with horror Oh, she gasped Oh, we didn't mean The tears began to gather and the child's lips quivered She was overcome with dismay I am so sorry so dreadfully sorry She quavered Mr. Atkinson put his hands on the tree Mr. Atkinson put his hand on her sunny head There, dear, never mind, he said You were a very innocent pair of housebreakers and you were a very brave and honest little girl to tell me the truth about it when you might easily have allowed me to think it happened another way Of course, on general principles it isn't right to break into anyone's house but I think you may have done me a good turn by letting me know about that weak place upstairs You may have prevented a real thief from breaking in You see, I come down from the city every Saturday to look after things while my wife and son are away and I am glad I happen to be here just now Let us forget all about the unpleasant part of it and make ourselves comfortable You are my guests Who is your little friend? My cousin Florence Oh yes, I'm glad to see you, Florence Now don't you think it would be wise, Eleanor if I were to speak to your father over the phone and let him know you are safe Oh yes, thank you Is there a telephone in your house? Yes, and I can call up your father at his office You can speak to him yourself if you like What time does he go home to dinner? About half past one o'clock Mr. Atkinson consulted his watch We shall catch him, I think and in a few minutes Dimple listening heard her father's voice and replied to Mr. Atkinson's Hello, is that you, Dallas? Don't you want to speak to him yourself? asked Mr. Atkinson when he had told Mr. Dallas that Dimple and her cousin were safely housed He lifted the little girl up so she could call her father I'm safe here, papa and so is Florence she said Please tell mama I will, daughter I'm glad you are in good hands I'll tell mama to send bubbles for you when it has stopped raining Let them stay until I take them home spoke up Mr. Atkinson I can take care of them and it will be a great pleasure to have them here Very well, if you like I shall be satisfied to have them in such safe hands Goodbye, came Mr. Dallas's parting words Goodbye and Mr. Atkinson hung up the receiver and turned to his guests Now, young ladies, I suspect you are hungry I am, for one Suppose we see that we can find to eat He took out his keys and unlocked the pantry door The girls looked at each other There were delightful possibilities before them All foraging here continued Mr. Atkinson While you set the table you'll find dishes in there and he pointed to the china closet This was such an unexpected outcome of the morning's affair that the two little girls retired behind the door and hugged each other and then briskly went to work to set the table upon which Mr. Atkinson placed various articles I keep a lot of such truck in here he told them so in case I get hungry I can find a bite to eat Do you like sardines or salmon best? Sardines exclaimed both the girls That settles it We haven't any ice, or we could have some lemonade We'd better have chocolate What do you say? It would be very nice, but we have no fire Fire enough See here He turned on the gas and lighted as little stove over which the chocolate was made condensed milk being at hand for use Now, let me see I have some ginger snaps somewhere and some marmalade This is rather a mixed meal I am thinking but it will keep us from starving I should think so said Florence, surveying the table I think it is fine And we can watch the dishes afterward Will you let us? asked Imple I shall be charmed to have you Mr. Atkinson assured her It was one of the points upon which I felt uncertain I confessed to disliking very much that part of the business and now you relieve my anxiety They made a merry meal of it and became very well acquainted with their host before it was over He told them funny stories and kept them laughing so that they were a long time getting their appetite satisfied and as it had become much cooler bubbles appeared with wraps for them before they had finished with the dishes We have had such a lovely, lovely time said Imple as she raised the beaming face to Mr. Atkinson You know just what to do to make little girls have a good time, don't you? He stooped and kissed her I had a little girl once he replied gravely Imple put her two arms closely around his neck She felt so very, very sorry when she remembered pretty little Stella I'd like to be your little girl if I had to be anyone's but the paws and mamas she whispered Thank you, dear child I appreciate that It is a very great compliment He answered slowly I want you two little girls to come over whenever you can I am always here on Saturday afternoons Will you come to see me often? If Mama will let us I'm afraid maybe she will not because we were naughty about coming when we had no right to see how we can manage it I will tell your father about it myself or better still I will walk home with you and you can tell your story to your mother and let me beg pardon for you How will that do? Dimple's eyes spoke her thanks and she turned to Florence who answered with a satisfied smile and so by Mr. Atkinson's kind request the culprits were forgiven and were promised that they should go again since Mr. Atkinson really wanted them and you must feel at liberty to play about the grounds all you choose he told the girls They can run about and sit on the porches to do as they please so long as they don't trample the flower beds or get into any mischief he said to Mrs. Dollas We wouldn't hurt anything for the world put in Florence and Dimple equally and they bade their good friend farewell feeling very humble and thankful that matters have turned out so well for them We don't deserve it and I feel dreadfully ashamed of myself said Florence meekly I think Mr. Atkinson's put our heads in the fire said Dimple soberly What do you mean? her mother asked Why, isn't that what the Bible says when anyone does something very kind to you after you have been mean to him? Mrs. Dollas laughed You mean he heaped coals of fire on your head that is the expression the Bible uses It's a funny one Dimple responded thoughtfully Anyhow mama I shall never never try to break into anyone's house again I hope not I really meant to ask you if we could go over there mama but you had gone out we were in a dreadful trouble for a while Yes, I know dear one very little wrong beginning sometimes leads to a great deal of trouble even grown people found it out do they? it always seems as if you must know everything mama she smiled and shook her head thus ended this incident but neither Dimple nor Florence ever forgot it End of chapter 4 Chapter 5 of a sweet little maid this LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by Diana Meilinger A sweet little maid by Amy Ella Blanchard Chapter 5 ROCK Florence and Dimple with Rubina and Celestine were on the back porch when they heard someone whistle and looking up they saw a rock coming round the corner of the house Good morning said he I am glad you have your dolls here I want to measure them Why are you a tailor asked Florence No, he said, laughing only a cabinet maker I came over with a message from my mother to Mrs. Dulles and a message from myself to yourselves Have you given mama her message asked Dimple Yes, said he and mine is that I want you to come to tea with me to-morrow evening you and Florence and the dolls Oh, the dolls Yes, the dolls I will come for you, if you like at half past four Did mama say we might go Yes, so it is all settled Now, said Florence we must make the dolls new frocks Do tell us, Rock what they ought to wear Rock turned over the bits of stuff in Dimple's box White, I think said he the stuff is pretty Oh, yes, said Dimple and I have a plenty of that we can trim them with this lace, Florence and they will look so cool and nice Now, if mama only had the time to make hats for them I'll make them hats said Rock You, whoever heard of boys making hats for dolls Did you never hear of a man milliner asked Rock and man dressmakers I have you stay here I am going to ask her mama for something to make them off Isn't he a funny boy, Florence said Dimple as Rock disappeared but I think he's real nice just hand me the scissors, won't you which way does this go so or so so, like mine are you going to make a wider or narrow hem wide, if the stuff is long enough it isn't so easy but it looks nicer I wonder if mama will give us fresh ribbons for sashes for the dolls it will set them off so Here comes Rock exclaimed Florence and what has he in his hand an old bonnet I declare now, said Rock if you will tell me where I can get a basin of water I will make the hats with water don't get up, Bubbles will get it for me as Dimple was about to put down her work Bubbles brought the water and Rock began to rip the straw bonnet to pieces then he dampened it a little and sewed it into a shape once in a while dampening it more to give it the right turn will you have a ride or a narrow brim he asked oh, just a bit wind brim don't you say so Florence isn't it going to be lovely did you ever as Rock handled her a cunning little straw hat now for the other one said he and he soon had done that too a little narrow ribbon and one or two flowers made the hats perfect oh, Rock, I wish you were my brother sigh, Dimple as she held her doll off at arm's length to admire her Rubina, you are a darling Blue is so becoming to her I almost wish I had trimmed mine with Blue said Florence regretfully oh, I think Pink is just as pretty exclaimed Rock and he is nicer not to have them both alike now what are you making asked Dimple as Rock went on sewing straw baskets baskets for the dolls yes, for the dolls or you either Dimple put her chin in her hands and leaned on the arm of her chair to watch him how clever you are she said I wish you were my brother really and truly Rock well, we will pretend I am said he what shall I put in your basket, sister they all laughed I don't think it will hold much but Rubina can put her work in it see, if I pin her arm up so she can hold it nicely there, I must go and show it to Mama I'll tear her to adopt you she called back as she ran off now I must clear up my scraps said Rock as he put the finishing touches to the other basket Mama says I may gather you some flowers said Dimple coming out again with a pair of shears in her hand and she says you are a very nice boy a very nice boy indeed Rock laughed she wouldn't think so sometimes said he I don't believe she wants to change children with my mother I hope she doesn't want to said Dimple then added quickly not that I don't think your mother is real nice Rock but you know I am so used to mine and she is so used to me of course said Rock laughing again I didn't mean they would change now let's get the flowers said Dimple you are to choose which you like best Rock she said leading the way to the flower beds the penses are almost gone but there are plenty of roses yet and verbenas and mignonnette and lots of things now Rock she said as they went along the paths you are not choosing the prettiest ones at all I believe you are picking out the mean ones on purpose I am going to choose myself you tell me Florence whenever you see a real pretty one Florence promised and Rock looked on secretly pleased that they had taken the matter into their own hands what lovely ones you have chosen he said as Dimple gave the bunch into his hands thank you so much and thank you so much said the girls for the hats and the baskets and the invitation you will be sure to be ready he said at the gate yes they cried at half past four yes goodbye sister goodbye Florence going out of the sunshine goodbye brother keeping the shade then they laughed and ran in mama cried Dimple auntie cried Florence where are you she answered up they ran aren't you glad Rock is such a nice boy did you know boys could be so nice asked Dimple I knew they could be if they would what makes Rock so gentle and kind and good well you see he lost his father when he was a very little boy and as he had no brothers or sisters he has been almost constantly with his mother who is a very gentle sweet woman he doesn't seem silly like some boys either said Florence I know a boy we call him Sissy he's so like a girl and he's always whining and afraid of cold and afraid of sun and afraid of everything I shouldn't like that kind of boy Dimple said mama I call Rock my brother and he calls me sister do you said her mother smiling now it is nearly dinner time I am not mistaken two little girls have left their new dolls and all their scraps and things out on the porch so we have they exclaimed and ran down to bring them in the dolls were laid away in state for the next day and at the sound of the dinner bell the girls went into dinner since the arrival of Florence Dimple had not cared so much for Bubbles's society and sometimes objected to her joining in their plays but Bubbles, by the gift of Florida alabamy, did not like amusement and could be seen almost any afternoon happy with her doll she was singing oh Barooda Lan sweet Barooda Lan when Florence called her what are you singing Bubbles Beoura Lan answered she what does she mean Dimple Bueller land she does get things so twisted we are going down to the woodshed to play till Mama calls us Bubbles do you want to go of course Bubbles did and off they all went the woodshed was at some distance from the house out in a shady place sometimes the children took to their roof which could be reached by a ladder and it was the scene of many a bold adventure what shall we play said one to another engine suggested Bubbles no Indian for me since my foot was cut said Dimple let's play house fire and climb from the roof by the ladder said Florence no I tell you said Dimple let's be cats and get on the roof and meow like they do at night they all laughed at this but finally concluded to be birds and build nests but why they should take leaves in their mouths and climb up down the ladder no mortar could tell and indeed this proved too tedious to play and they all sat on the roof to decide what should be done next suddenly Dimple cried out what is that sticking out of your pocket Bubbles quickly thrust whatever it was back into her pocket and was about to get down from the roof when Dimple held her pull it off Florence she cried I believe it is a piece of my dotted Swiss and so it was Bubbles had been consumed with envy ever since Rubina and Celestine had been dressed in white and wanted her doll to look as well you wicked girl where did you get it asked Dimple fiercely found it you didn't you've been stealing you stole it from my box that I left on the porch yesterday what were you going to do with it make a frock for Florida alabamy why didn't you ask for something instead of taking what didn't belong to you Bubbles was silent you told the story too when you said you found it you knew it was mine now you shall be punished don't send me to the orphan asylum said Bubbles beginning to cry no I promise mama I wouldn't say that anymore but I shall do something the idea of your doing such a thing I really used to think you were nearly as nice as a white girl Bubbles but I never shall any more Bubbles cried hard and never at this what shall I do with her Florence take her doll away suggested she no no no please Miss Dimple I'll never do so no more cried Bubbles deed and deed I want don't take my doll away you can bob me or anything but don't take my doll away take yourself too and throw Dimple thought a moment and then she said I know we will leave her here on the roof and take the leather away then when mama calls us to come in to dress we can put the leather up again and she can get down this was agreed upon and Bubbles was left a lofty prisoner the girls concluded to play under the big tree and became so interested that when Mrs. Dollars called them they forgot all about Bubbles they went into the house without ever putting up the leather where am I to wear mama asked Dimple one of my white frogs I suppose yes said her mother and Florence too yes Florence then we will be all in white the dolls too mama may we carry our parasols I don't think you will need them now girls I will send papa for you at half past eight I hope you will be little ladies I will send mama out of you because I particularly want Mrs. Dollars to be fond of you oh we will mama reply Dimple why do you want Mrs. Hardy to like us I have two or three reasons I will tell you and we have more time hurry Florence and put on your frock it is nearly half past four I hear a carriage stopping said Dimple running to look out of the window Florence Florence do hurry rock and his mother are out there in a carriage where are the dolls oh there they are no I have yours she exclaimed excitedly do Florence get your hat don't get so excited Dimple said her mama there is no need of such a very great hurry as all that I will go down and you can come you have forgotten your handkerchief it is there on the burrow oh Dimple do get me a handkerchief said Florence I don't know what does make me so behind hand perfume Florence oh please just a weed drop not too much cologne or violet water which have you cologne then I will take the other now I'm ready do you suppose we are going anywhere it is such a little way to drive only to the house I don't know return Dimple we'll soon see we thought it was so early said Mrs. Hardy that we could take a short drive before tea if these little girls would like it indeed we should said they then helped the main rock and they were soon seated driving off in a great style dolls and all meanwhile bubbles sat on the roof waiting for their return as the time passed and they did not come she made desperate efforts to get down but there was no way the tree that shaded the woodhouse was just too high to reach and she crept to the edge of the roof making up her mind to jump but when she saw the distance her heart failed her and she went back leave me here all night I suppose she said maybe I'll catch cold and die most wished I would then she heard someone call bubbles bubbles she answered no one came it grew later and later the sun went down and the sky sent up little puffs of pink clouds overhead bubbles lay down on her back and looked up at the sky after a while a little star peeped out then disappeared again like a baby saying pee boo angels I reckon thought bubbles suppose I won't get to see them the ceiling's awful and she lay there in a very humble frame of mind till she went to sleep I cannot imagine what has become of bubbles said Mrs. Dullos to her husband when he came in I have looked the house over and called her in every room she cannot have followed the children I never knew her to stay away before hasn't Sylvie seen her? not since early in the afternoon she has looked all over the place and so she had but bubbles asleep on the roof did not hear her and the limp of the tree on that side hit her from view there is no reason of her running off is there asked Mr. Dullos no unless Dimple has threatened her with the orphan as island once too often she has such a horror of it but I told Dimple not to do so again and she is not apt to disobey they sat down to tea and it was not till an hour later that bubbles was rescued Mr. Dullos was walking about smoking his cigar when he heard the doleful voice saying Lordy, lordy, I am awfully bad just as well go to the orphan as island I'll die here, plumb sure he listened and walked a few steps further wished I was a bird I'd get up in that tree wished I had a raven to bring me a supper suppose I'll starve and die too bubbles, where are you? called Mr. Dullos he heard a scrambling overhead and a delighted reply yes, sir, here I am he looked all around but did not see her where are you? he asked again on the roof, sir well, why don't you get down? ain't no way, sir don't tuck in the leather away Mr. Dullos found the leather and put it up and bubbles scrambled down have you been up there all this time? yes, sir said bubbles, scraping one foot with the bare toes of the other how came the leather down? Miss Dimpledon did it what for? bubbles hung her head and began scrapping the other foot what for? began asked Mr. Dullos I don't stall I don't stall said bubbles solemnly and she did it to punish you yes, sir Mr. Dullos could not avoid smiling but he said go along into the house and tell Mrs. Dullos about it by the way didn't you see anyone looking for you? no, sir I was clean thuckered of waiting and I went to sleep specs they came them may be well go along he said and bubbles started for the house while he went to bring home the girls end of chapter 5