A DEAR LITTLE GIRL
AMY E. BLANCHARD
WHITMAN PUBLISHING CO. RACINE, WIS.
Printed in the United States of America by Western Printing & Lithographing Co. Racine, Wisconsin
Contents
CHAPTER I.
AN ACCIDENT 9
CHAPTER II.
GETTING SETTLED 21
CHAPTER III.
WHAT HAPPENED 35
CHAPTER IV.
MAGGIE'S CASE 49
CHAPTER V.
A GUILTY CONSCIENCE 63
CHAPTER VI.
THE FAIR 74
CHAPTER VII.
WHERE THE DOLL WENT 88
CHAPTER VIII.
A PECK OF TROUBLE 103
CHAPTER IX.
ABOUT SEVERAL THINGS 116
CHAPTER X.
MORE SURPRISES 128
CHAPTER XI.
ADOPTED 141
CHAPTER XII.
THE RUNAWAY 155
CHAPTER XIII.
PLEASANT CHANGES 168
Chapter I
AN ACCIDENT.
"It will be a fine opportunity for Edna," said Mrs. Conway.
Edna did not like that word opportunity; it always seemed to her that it meant something unpleasant. She had noticed that when pleasant things came along they were rarely spoken of as "opportunities," but were just _happenings_. So she sat with her little sturdy legs dangling down from the sofa, and a very sober look upon her round face, while her busy, dimpled hands were folded quietly.
Her mother leaned over, and took the plump little fingers in hers, giving them a squeeze. "It will be an opportunity," she repeated, as her eyes rested fondly on the child by her side; "but she is only eight, and it seems like pushing her out of the nest before her wings are ready, poor birdie!"
"O, no it doesn't," replied Mr. Conway. "It will only be changing nests. Aunt Elizabeth will be just like a mother to her; it is not like a boarding-school, my dear."
"I know," replied Mrs. Conway, resting her cheek against Edna's little dark head. "Should you like to go to Aunt Elizabeth's, dear?"
"Cousin Louis will be there, you know," put in Edna's father, "and you'll have fine times together. Suppose I read to you what Aunt Elizabeth says. 'You write, my dear nephew, that it seems prudent, on account of your wife's health, that you should go to Florida. I have received some such news from William who is about to take a trip to California in search of health. He has asked me to take charge of his son, Louis, during his absence. Should you not like to place Edna, also, with us during the time you are gone? She could then attend school and would find a pleasing companion in her cousin Louis, who, I fear, will be somewhat lonely with only myself and your Uncle Justus. The advantages of a city are great, and I need not say we will endeavor'--h'm--h'm--never mind the rest," said Mr. Conway, laying down the letter. "You know, daughter, Aunt Elizabeth lives in a big city, where there are fine shops and beautiful parks; moreover, you would meet a lot of nice little girls in the school. It would be much nicer than for you to stay here with sister and the boys while we are gone. Don't you think so?"
Table of contents (by pages)
- 1: A Dear Little Girl by Amy Ella Blanchard
- 2: But Edna only saw visions of gay shops
- 3: Something Edna did not like at all
- 4: An' de smokin' cyar cotched fire
- 5: Edna gave the best account of herself that she could
- 6: Does Uncle Justus teach all the scholars
- 7: Edna was very much afraid of him at first
- 8: In the hall Uncle Justus met her
- 9: Edna wanted to tell about Phil Blaney
- 10: She had never been downtown alone
- 11: Yer lucky ter have any home ter go ter
- 12: I have brought Maggie to live here with you
- 13: And Moggins hasn't any friends but her
- 14: But ye mustn't let on a worrud
- 15: Maggie had been standing before Miss Barnes and the matron
- 16: She sat musingly regarding Maggie
- 17: Ramsey in her fine carriage the next morning
- 18: Ramsey or Edna would be disappointed in her
- 19: Edna stole up to the storeroom
- 20: For Uncle Justus was apt any minute to awaken
- 21: It was not the punishment which Edna minded
- 22: I mind having Uncle Justus think me bad
- 23: Being encouraged in this by Phil Blaney
- 24: Uncle Justus looked up quizzically
- 25: Uncle Justus gave a willing consent
- 26: Edna looked quickly at Aunt Elizabeth
- 27: Edna had often seen her in church
- 28: Will Miss Edna Conway please come forward
- 29: I think Edna will have to wait
- 30: Then Edna and her friend turned toward home
- 31: Louis took Moggins under his care
- 32: Even Miss Ashurst did not make her appearance
- 33: Edna missed Uncle Justus from his place in his easy chair
- 34: And a moment after Edna heard him go out of the house
- 35: Edna saw Uncle Justus standing in the doorway
- 36: Uncle Justus stood at the foot of the stairs
- 37: You can have Moggins back again
- 38: Uncle Justus would not allow it to be changed
- 39: MacDonald know about some flower bulbs
- 40: But Edna got through bravely by saying
- 41: The greenhouses were a delight to Edna
- 42: One day Edna was much surprised by a visit from Uncle Justus
- 43: Then Edna gave Maggie a great hugging
- 44: MacDonald believed in substantials
- 45: She turned with an exclamation at the sight of Edna
- 46: It would best be paid for at Pasadena
- 47: Uncle Justus caught at the suggestion
- 48: Meanwhile how fared it with Edna
- 49: I should not have kept Edna this time
- 50: We knew Edna was safe as soon as we reached here
- 51: Edna laid her head on her mother's shoulder
- 52: What should you like to get for Uncle Justus
- 53: Praise like this was very sweet to Edna
- 54: I can take Moggins to Margaret
- 55: Uncle Justus made frequent trips to see them