Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-05-17
CHAPTER vi.
BEATRICE TRIUMPHANT,

BEATRICE TRIUMPHANT.
Miss Clauson carried her point. Her suc-
cess was due to a curious combination Of
events, as well as to her own persistence and
eloquent pleading. She managed to get Un-
Gle Herbert alone-a difficult matter, as the
''Tabbies" were almost always together
after sundry arguments and entreaties, II un-
able to win his consent to her proposed ar
rangement, exacted a promise from him that
he would not object If Horace approved of
her keeping the boy. To be sure he had not
the faintest idea that Horace would consent.
Mr.. Mordle, the adviser of the family, and
Herbert Talbert thus brought on her side or
rendered neutral, Horace remained the arbiter
Of the boys fate and Miss Clauson directed
all her energies toward making him yield.
Like clever girl she took care that the
young intruder should be no nuisance to any
one, not even to the servants. When her
uncles saw him they saw him at his best. At
the first signs Of bad behavior Beatrice whip
ped him away. As he had not yet run amuck
through their bric-a-brac, not demolished q
ruby-backed pl te, or detruncated q Chelsea
figure, they had no fault to find with his gen.
eral behavior. Indeed, they liked to see the
little fellow about the place, and the confding
way in which sometimes he climbed upon
Horaces knee was quite touching. He was
not bit afraid Of these tall, grave men.
Children see further in some ways than grown
up people, and no doubt the little boy felt In
stinctively that many excellent feminine
traits were hidden under the broad bosoms Of
the stalwart ''Tabbies"
They tacitly left his fate in allegiance for
more than a week; then Beatrice, who per-
haps trembled lest some childish act of mis-
chief might defeat her ends, and who thought
that the boy had well done his part in the af.
fair by making himself SO easily tolerated, At
tackled her uncles once more. True to hia
promise, Herbert said his brother must decide
the matter.
do you want the child to stayq' ssksd
Horace, turning to the speaker.
II told Beatrice you should decide"
This answer assured Horace that Herbert
knew everything that was to be known.
"My dear Beatrice" he said, 'the thing 1,
quite impracticable."
Her mouth quivered. It was clear shs had
set her heart on keeping her new pet.
"Why is it impracticable3 What difference
can q child make in a house like this2 He will
be my sole care"
Uncle Horace looked uneasy. my dear
you forget it may give rise to scandal"
Scandal what scandalF'
Horace grew red. One can't talk plainly to
young, innocent girls without feeling how bad
mankind in general is.
'Hum-ha," I" he said. "You must remem-
Der, Beatrice, we are two single men; not el-
derly men. As soon as 1t Is known that we
have kept the child sent here 20 strangely, we
give handle to suspicion and scandal. Do
you agree with me, Herbertr'
81 am afraid ii will be 20, Beatrice, said
Herbert, regretfully.
Miss Clauson drew herself up proudly. II
was an action the Talberts alwavs Nksd to
see in the girl. and which had a 9rsat efPac4
on them.
"Surelv. - sbe said stvou of all paonls .ra
above SUSPICION and scandalln