DOT didn't care for such playthings as little girls generally liked. She
wanted to play out of doors with the boys. And poor little Dot's mother
didn't care where she played, if she was only out of her way so she
could get her washing along.
She was a poor washerwoman, and had to work very hard to get something
for her three children to eat. So Dot had full liberty to go and come as
she pleased. And it pleased her to play with her brothers. They
generally went out near the water.
One day Dot was digging in the sand with Ivan's little shovel. "Le's
have that," said Ivan. "I want to use it now."
"No. Dot wants it," replied the child stoutly.
"Well, you can't have it. So hand it along."
"Dot will have it," was her answer. Then she disappeared behind a large
boat. Ivan ran after her, and, like Dot, came near running against a
lady who sat on the sand with a book in her lap. She was talking to Dot.
"Le's have my shovel," interrupted Ivan.
"Give it to him, dear, and I will get you another," said the lady. Dot
was charmed by the gentle voice, and gave up the shovel without a word.
Dot saw the lady many times after that.
[Illustration: DOT'S NEW FRIEND.]