"O, Katie!" cried Dotty, a new idea seizing her, "where's mother? Did she come with you?"
Katie shook her head.
"My dee mamma velly sick."
"Yes, I know; but where's my mamma? Did she come with you in the cars?"
Katie shook her head again.
"Who did come with you, then? You didn't come alone?"
"No, there was folks."
By this time Dotty had sprung out of bed, and was rushing out of the room to learn whether her mother had come. Mrs. Parlin met her at the door.
"My darling child," said she, hugging and kissing her just as tenderly as if she had never been "wherrying." "You'd better lie down again, and let me bathe your head."
Dotty sprang into bed instantly. She was glad her mother had asked her to do something, so she might prove her desire to obey. She liked the touch of those cool fingers on her forehead.