Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 16: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THRICE WEDDRD. | 7 The little witch was about to spring down the step, when a voice from within arrested her. “Dora, Dora, wait, my child, you have no collar or gloves. ~ Your hat is on wrong side front, and your cape is not fas- tened; come here, my dear, and let me fix you. A quiet, lady-like looking woman followed the pleasant voice, and approached her lovely little daughter with the missing collar and gloves. ‘“<Good-morning, Robert,” she said, smiling. ‘‘Did you ever see such a little Miss Wild-fire before?” ‘‘Good-morning, auntie! I can’t blame Dora a mite, for I can hardly keep still myself this bright day. I-wish you could go with us.’ ‘Thank you, Robert, I fear Dora would hardly consent, for she thinks it is a great thing for you to take her out alone. How is your father to-day?” ‘He is about as usual, only he does not seem to be in very good spirits. I told him the other day he would be happier if he was a poor man and had to work fora living. He would then have something besides himself to think about.” ‘What did he say to that?” asked Mrs. ru bOee 4 “Oh, he only laughed. and said I was a queer boy, and that I might work for my living if I wanted to.’ ‘‘Now, Dora,” said her mother, ‘‘you must hold still or I shall never be able to dress you. Put on your gloves while I pin the collar. I fear Robert will not wish to take you rid- ing often if you don’t make a better appearance. Ladies never go to ride without their gloves.”’ “But, mamma, I ain’t a lady; I’m only a little girl, and I hate cloves and starched things.” The bright little face was very red just now from ‘the effort of putting on the troublesome gloves, and there was something very like a pout upon the red lips. ‘Well, never mind, dear,” returned her mother, kindly, ‘‘vou will forget all about them after you have started. Have a happy time, and come home and tell me all about it. J hope you are a careful driver,” she added, turning to Robert. ‘‘You won't forget that Dora is my all now.’ “You may trust me, auntie, and then old Prince is so gentle there isno fear. Come, Brightie, you are ready now, and we will start.’’ He took Dora by the hand, and leading her to the buggy, EOmMmIchbooks.c¢ (0) mn