Louise Kendrick.
THE HOUSE OF THE GRANDMOTHERS.
CHAPTER XI.—For Great-grandmama Lois.
Not one of the grandmothers heard Mary Ellen on the stairs or on the landing, and the little creature patted along by the wall in her pretty red slippers, past the door where she had tumbled in the day before, past Madam Esther’s, and turned into the other hall with her rose. This hall was lighted by a large window, and as Mary Ellen felt the sunshine full in her face she began to smile and look like herself again. She pattered along faster, smiling and smiling, and just as she came to the last door was on the point of exploding into a whole fireworks of laughs and crows and calls, as was her way when very much pleased.
“Gum-um!” she called, but first running into the corner and backing up close against the wall. Mary Ellen had no notion of falling in when this door opened.
It was at Old Lady Lois’s room that she had stopped, as she her little self knew very well. The door opened instantly. But the dear old great-grandmother did not see the child at first. She looked all about her, as if very much alarmed.
“Yosy!” Mary Ellen cried out. “Yosy, Gum-um!” She toddled forward and held up the big wet rose.
Old Lady Lois gathered her up in her arms and went in. “Are you up here again, child?” she said, reproachfully.
“Yosy,” said Mary Ellen. “Yosy.”
“Yes, pretty rosy,” answered Old Lady Lois.
“Yosy!” persisted Mary Ellen.