The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1893-09-23

Ni9PSA sometimes we thought
If Archie's mother were our step
mother
There is no chance of that, my little
girl" ne said would to God
He stopped. But Dolly knew it all.
That night in the moonlight she sat up
in bed and told Jauet-and BY the end
of the week Jack knew it.
And that's why papa is 50 serious
said Dolly in her soft voice.
"All broke up because the widow
won't smile on him. mused Jack, to
whom the tender passion was an iuscru-
table mystery.
These young creatures talked their
fathers romance over and over again
with the keen relish of sixteen-year-
olds for these things. Only Janet was
indignant.
"What can she expect if papa Is not
good enough for here" she cried vehe-
mently; $50 handsome, so kind"
Perhaps" said Jack, ''she is afraid Of
us. She thinks wen bedevil her and the
kid to DEATH
This solution amazed the girls with
its simplicity and perspicuity Only that
could account for any woman's not
jumping at the chance of marrying their
father.
Il tell you what it is, girls" said Jack,
81 think it would be a jolly good thing
If we could let Mrs. Enderby know that
we haven't any objection, and we
wouldn't be hard on the kid. 1t cuts me
up to see the governor going around
looking like a cracked pitcher. We
needn't call any names; just intimate it
in a general sort of way"
Jack" remarked Janet, solemnly,
you've great deal more sense than
you've ever had credit for"
1t was some days after that when Mrs.
Enderby experienced an Eruption of the
Brooke family into her drawing room.
Dolly as the chief diplomatist, soon led
off on the important subject.
"It's such a comfort, Mrs. Enderby, to
come over and see you. 1t would be SO
nice if we only had somebody like you
at home"
1t was now Janets turn.
"We wouldn't object to stepmother
If she was nice-nice enough for papa
because be is very superior man in
deed, Mrs. Enderby."
Jack, who had not been trusted with
any share in the conduct of the negotia-
tions, here broke in.
"And If she had kid-say about six
or seven-we wouldn't bedevil him"
A wave of color swept over Dolly's
face.
80 Jackl" she cried, reproachfully.
Mrs. Enderby was laughing and blush
ing. It was so deliciously transparent
and absurd that she could not help but
laugh
1T is very commendable of you" she
said, "but it won't DO for you to talk
about. don't think your father would
like it-so we'll drop the subject"
Her visitors departed, much depres-
sed with the failure of their mission;
but in half an hour Dolly stole back.
Mrs. Enderby was sitting just where
she had left her on the drawing-room
sofa. Dolly sat down by her.
81 don't think you ought to laugh at
dear papa" she said timidly.
81 never laughed at your papa in my
life" answered Mrs. Enderby softly.
"You couldn't if you knew how good
he is. He works so hard, and he never
refuses to go to see poor people, no mat
ter how tired he is. Last night when
he came home all worn out, somebody
came for him and said old Betty Jones.
who has cancer and is dying, was crv-
ing for him, and he got right up and
went out, although he said he couldn't
do her any good, and stayed with her
three or four hours. When he came
home he just sat down before the fire
and looked so hopeless and troubledm
Mrs. Enderby made no reply, but pres
emily Dolly saw two tears drop from her
eyes; the child's simple story had touch
ed her.
dolly rose. She had quick percep-
ton, and saw at once that she had |
gained something. That night Dolly !
could hardly sit still until Jack and Janet
had gone up stairs. Then she slipped |
up to her father, and, in her old famil-
lar way, laid her cheek on his.
Papa, want to tell you something.
Today was talking to Mrs. Enderby |
about you, and 1 said you didn't seem as
happy as you used to, and papa, she |