The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1891-12-02

uncle and myself TO discuss when you
have retired"
Mr.. Evesham glowered at the offend
ing children. For moment he was too
indignant for utterance. Then, turning
the full glare Of his piercing black eyes,
which fairly snapped beneath their
shaggy brows, he said in slow, pompous
tones:
Esther Evesham, have you taken
leave Of your senses? Do you mean to
tell me that you think for moment
that such proposal will bear discus
stomp
The widow was spared an explana-
ton, for at that instant the door opened
and Mrs. Wilkins entered bearing in
her arms the child, whom it seemed as
though fortune had sent at this critical
moment to plead her own claim TO sym
pathy and protection. She was dressed
for bed, and looked like some sweet
vision of innocence in her muslin
mother-hubbard with thembroidcredy yoke.
Even Isaac Eyesham's eyes softened
as he looked on the pretty creature as
she kissed them each good night; and
who knows what might have happened
II Mrs. wilkins, encouraged by his
kindly look, had not offered the child
for his embrace. For a moment he
hesitated, colored to his very temples
with bushes for his weakness and
held his hard, lsnotted, bony fingers out
TO clasp her TO his bosom, but with
cry of terror the child shranb from
him and buried her face in the woman's
shoulder, sobbing as though her heart
would break.
Mr. Isaac Evesham looked supreme
ly foolish. That he should have been
betrayed into a momentary relapse OF
sentiment was provoking enough, but
that his silly advances TO this little
friendless chit Of thing should have
met with such humiliating repulse
was simply exasperating.
There, woman, take the squalling
little thing TO bed," he said, ''and let
us have some peace in the room" And
all knew that as far rs Isaac Evesham
was concerned the fate of the baby was
sealed.
Half an hour afterwards Mrs.
Evcsham had TO brace herself for q
tete tcte with her disagreeable rela-
tive, an ordeal she dreaded beyond
measure, Notwithstanding the encour-
agement her children managed to whis-
per in her ear under plea of bidding her
good night
''Be firm, mother dear, and don't give
way 10 him." Alice said.
81 shall cry my eyes out IL you let
him send Wanda away" sighed Kate.
''Hang on to the baby, ma implorcd
Harry.
AS these suggestions were In accord
ance with the promptings Of her own
kind heart, she had not much need TO
hesitate concerning which course she
would take.
To her surprise the enemy opened
the battery with mild salute.
1--WE must make radical change In
your affairs, Esther" he said grimly,
but not without certain tone Of
kindness in his voice. 'Now that this
lodging-house business has proved such
n deplorable failure, we must look for
something else for you TO do"
II hardly think you can call IL a fail
ure as yet" the widow demonstrated:
81 have been here only a few months
and am gettinR-'
Into police courts and newspapers.
No, you must come 10 Buffalo-and
talk the matter oyer with Mrs. Il. and
Jane" He had nearly committed him
self TO undertaking tho charge Of their
support, but as he afterwards said his
good angel stepped in at the right
moment and whispered discretion.
snow, with regard 10 this little girl,
= I'd. 80