"It was real too bad grandma's room was burnt up! When I went into grandma's room I used to feel just like singing. Mother says that isn't so bad as wickedness. She says it is 'home where the heart is.'
"Dotty hasn't had any temper for five days. Finis."
Just about this time a letter came from Willowbrook, saying Mrs. Clifford was quite ill, and asking Mrs. Parlin to go to her. Aunt Louisa said it was fortunate that the children could stay at their aunt Eastman's. She did not know that Mrs. Parlin left them there very reluctantly, having her own private fears that her youngest daughter might fall into mischief.
Dotty kissed her mother good by, and promised to be perfect; but Mrs. Parlin knew too well how the child's resolutions were apt to wither away for want of root.
CHAPTER IV.
PLAYING HINDOO.
"Johnny, Johnny, come to the window, quick!" said Dotty; "see this bird!"
"I've seen birds before," replied her little cousin, coolly, and walking as slowly as possible.
"But this one peeps as if he was hurt; see how he pecks to get in."