The Ottawa free trader., 1881-01-29

"'Nevcr saw him behave decently before,
remarked Russell.
AT supper he ate his bread and milk quiet,
ly, and watched me over every spoonful; then
he kissed every body goodnight and went of
dutituly to he'd, holding his mammals skirt
"As | happened to pass Mrs. kGndolph's IS
room, and the door stood WIDE open, | stopped
to remind her that we were all going for a
walk but she had her back toward the door,
and didn't gee me. SO | stood u moment
watching her. The child was undresScd, all
gown; his pink feet bare; his eyes wide and
thoughtful. The mother was enjoying the un
accustomed peace. She kissed the boy, and
made him kneel at her feet.
Now Robbie say his prayers
81 never saw anything hall rs lovely as the
mother and child that night.
"'God bless mamma
"Mamma' he repeated,
"'And uncle and auntle'
"'Uncle and aunie.
"'And Mr.. Lane, the nice gentleman.
"She put my name In her ch:lds prayers!
Why, Ford, my heart gave great exultant
bound; but suddenly 1t stood still.
Mamma, said Robbie's shril little voice,
that nice gentleman gave me sunfin.'
What, my darlng-fowers?
"'Suntin else
"'ChocolateY
"'Suntin else
"'What then, my love"
"1 dunno and he looked puzzled; then
Frightening up with, but | show 90, mamma
THE little man was conveniently dressed
for the pantomme he undertook, and to do
him justice 1t was thoroughly well done. He
began with my guilty words, Now, my little
hend, give 90 suntin that's good for Co., with
tragic effect; then he whlsked up the night
gown, and applied Qhough more lightly than
the EodeD the time honored remedy for
naughtlness. He added, And mamma,
kyed vewy loud, and then l feeled more
better
There was moments hush. Mis- Ran
dolph hugged Robbie to her breast. | crept
down stars, astonlshed at the capacity IN
children for retaining an impression, but feel
ing that had made IA great success.
Later she came down. we had all agreed
upon a walk, so went along by the blossomed
fields but Mrs Randolph was perfectly silent
II argued good from this and felt elated
Russell and his wife saw something out of the
common IN my manner, | think, and consider
ately walked apart together felt that must
speak out of my heart so began:
Although we have known each other but
few days, you must feel as | do, ours Is no
common friendship.
Adelaide went on madly-I was but
forty; The night was heavenly bright; she was
beautlful-'Adelaldc love you. May hope
to win you?'
"Adcla,dc stood still instantly, turned upon
me- and fixed me with such look as | never
met before nor since.
"'Wretchr = she sand, you raised your hand
against my child, my Robbie, my angel. You
called HIM little tend. desplse, detest, Ut
tcrIy abhor you. I'd marry demon sooner
Ford, she shone white with anger. AS
soon As | could catch my breath, | tried to
argue.
"'See how good he was afterward A little
wholesome discipline is
Don't speak TO me- she struck in. Never
dare to let me see your face again. Never dare
"She walked on briskly TO the hotel, meek.
ly following. She swept up stairs, hingingI
me back judith look full of righteous wrath i
Il told Russell the whole matter al once.
He whistlcd, then laughed loud and long.
BY Jove' he sand, the boy had never had a
whipping, and didn't understand it, It's al
pity, Lane that you can't bring hIm up; out
Adelaide is fierce where that spoiled crat is
concerned I'm afraid there's no hope for
you
IL lett next morning for Paris by the early
diligence"
Robbie must have turned out a terriblel
wretch"
NO, he hasn't. He's tall, handsome lad
of fourteen; bright, well hammered, and ODE.
dient to his mother and step-iather."
"Step.iathcr She's married, then."
Three years ago she met "a man my supe-
rior in tact, courage and persistence. | respect
and envy him"
But what tussel he must have had with
the boy"
Yes; for our domestic system Is peculiar.
Here are statistics: Out OF one hundred of thel
pirate species Of child that I've met three were
English, two Russians, one French, aud nine
u. -four American. To bring these infants iol
reason it called for nncty.four men of meitle.
only wish I'd served my country by being
one of them"
Ford laughed and filled Il glass. Heres to-
RohhIe's step father, the hero and martyr"
And the happie>t nf men," Lane added,
filling hls glass All, Ford, there's the ruhl'
and MIR. Lane, with sigh, ended rs he began
"She's the luveliest wumrn in the world."-
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