"Some one's waiting for you in the parlor, Doro," he said, without waiting to "digest" his sister's greeting.
Dorothy opened the parlor door. There sat Miss Brooks and little Mary Mahon.
"We came in to wish you a merry Christmas," said Miss Brooks, with her arm about Mary. "This is my niece, my sister's only child. And I found her through your hospital play."
In a few words Miss Brooks made it all clear to Dorothy, and repeated the story told Tavia some time before.
"She is not very strong, and I am going to take her south at once," went on Miss Brooks, while Mary fairly beamed with delight. She was so splendid in her new fur coat; and to think she really had a relative!
"Aunt Stella," she ventured, "you never would have found me if Dorothy had not given me that piece. It was because I acted—like mamma."
"And there is something else," said Miss Brooks, "The matter—about Miss Travers. I received a letter this morning from the firm, refunding her money. Of course, I had urged them to do so. I would not even address envelopes for a house that would deliberately rob young girls."
Miss Brooks offered the slip of paper to Dorothy.
"Wouldn't you rather give it to Miss Travers?" asked Dorothy.
"Oh, yes," replied the other, remembering that Dorothy had refused to listen to the explanation of Tavia's difficulties.