The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1888-01-18

did so. When had finished she made no
comment, but bade Us now give our attcIl-
ton to mathematics. We did so. She was
apparently a good teacher, for she took
much pains to explain the problems and the
rules that governed them; but her voice
never lost its automatical ring. 1t wcs as
though wooden image were uttering those
things, and consequently the instructions
she gave were dry ard uaintcresting. and
did nor wonder that the children gave sigh
cr relief when the lessen was over. Bat
they had evidently been taught implicit ooe-
Gicnce to. their teachers rules, for they were
silent and respectful, paying strict attcn-
ton to their books after their first stare
Of welcome to ne when was brought in.
She now gave US intcr:aission, during which
she left Us alone together. The children at
once threw of all restraint and approached
me with loud questions.
@What's your name?" asked the Oldest
boy, hooking into my face with his wicked
black eyes.
] told him.
t.Are you going 70 live herel" he inquired
next
L did not answer. His tone was jeering
and rnl1iad, and felt ready to Cry.
s'Why don't you answer r:cs' he asked,
roughly. sDo you suppose, he continued,
were going to have you here without
knowing who and what you oce"'
Mamma will tell u.s." said his sister, Sec
ing I did net speak. She was standing by
her brother, her golden HAIR and blue eyes
in strange contrast to his dark skin and Jet
black hair That she was proud, scornful
and vain did not doubt; and that could
expect no kindness or fciendhness from
her, saw at once.
ssI suppose she is some little beggar- that
mamma has picked up she SAID, with a
toss Of her yellcyscdTls ssDid mamma
hSisSS5nSs9"sh sho persisted, aagTily.
yes," answered, ssbut wish she never
had. I want to go home" and, unable
longer to control my feelings, gave way to
my grief and sobbcd wildly.
Aftor. several attempts to question me
further the boy and girl left me to my self
and ran downstairs The youngest boy re-
NAMED. He was sweet little fellow, with
blue eocs and dark curling hair. "Dont
cry,n he said, coming close 10 ne and laying
his 6rtle dimpled hand on my shoulder.
scIt'll make Jour heed ache; it doss nine"
he continued, wisely.
felt conforted somewhat by his gentle,
Kindly words, and sat up and wiped my
eyes.
sssca came from long way of, didn't
yous'' he inquired, seating himself beside
me. <krd did ny mamma bring you, and
what made your mamma let yoa Gomez
ssI have no mamma" replied: and then
explained to him how we lived at the
home and the circumstances Of his mothers
adopting me, though why she had done so,
when she had three children Of her own, l
could not imagine.
ssNow tell me about yourself" said,
when I had finished. ''Arc those your
brother ani sister who were here moment
ago?"
ssNot my real brother and sister," he said,
gravcly; 'only my half brother and sister.
They're twins. you know; one IS just as old
as the other, Irma and Irving Barrett that's
their names"
ssAnd your name2" inquired. =
SIS Be-tie Clayton, he answered, SO
gravely and manGkc, could hardly help
smiling
"You and I'll be friends" be went on.
ssI like you. You mustn't mind if they are
cross and mean-thcy always ere. But I
like you. think you're nice, nicer than
Irma; not so pretty, for she is Ike pict-
pre; heard mamma tell papa so to-day.
But she's cross to me. Are you ever
CROSSE"
assured him Of my usual good nature,
and we soon became good friends. He Of
fered to show me his pets, and willingly