Winter was coming.

It was a gray, miserable world, and she was left out in the cold.
She remembered she had been happy once, but that was ages ago.

It wasn't likely she should ever smile again; and as for laughter, she knew that was over with her forever.

Susy and Prudy were at home, making book-marks and cologne mats; _they_ could smile, for they hadn't run away.
"I shouldn't think my mamma'd care if I went in at the back door," thought Dotty, meekly.

"If she locks me out, I can lie down on the steps and freeze." But the question was, how to get away from Mandoline, who had her in charge like a sharp-eyed sheriff.
"That's the street I turn to go to my house--isn't it, Lina ?" asked she, quickly.
"I shan't tell you, Dotty Dimple.