The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1898-09-30

iNi tiiSA Oh iiOi piOW'
Come into the shade and let me
fan you," suggests Ted coaxingly.
How very kind" SCOTS Shell. But
think I won't accept-it sounds so
much nicer than it really is. Tanning
only makes one hotter; and the midges
are swarming in the shade"
"It seems impossible ever to say or
suggest the right thing to you," says
Ted with boyish Impotence.
"If I have been rude am very
sorry" Shell returns thoughtfully;
'but all the same it is true, you know.
Tanning only cools one for the mo-
ment, and one is ten times hotter af-
forwards" AS she speaks she saunters
on few steps by his side, that she
may not appear too pointedly unso-
cable.
'By-the-way, I had almost forgot
| ten," remarks Ted, laughing BOD
and Meg charged me with commits
sion. 1 am entrusted with a mysteri-
Gus packet, which l faithfully prom
Used to deliver into your own hands"
and from his pocket he produces a
small and remarkably clumsy paper
parcel tied up with bit Of colored
wool.
II think there must be some mis-
take" says Shell, looking at the prof
fered offering superciliously; they
probably meant it for Ruby"
con the contrary, was particularly
cautioned not to entrust it to your
sister," laughs Ted. 81 believe it is
of an edible nature, and they feared
the temptation might be too great"
Shell takes the packet reluctantly,
and, standing. still for moment in
the pathway, cautiously opens 1t, dis
playing to view some half-dozen choco-
late creams of decidedly crushed and
not very tempting appearance.
! For moment a beautiful and gentle
smile lights up her every feature; then
she remembers with start the part
she is acting, and asks scornfully-
what on earth induced them to
send me these things?"
"They probably thought you would
appreciate them-poor children!' an
swers Ted, rather holly. "They got a
box as a present this morning, and
wouldn't give me any peace until
consented to bring you over some.
wish Indignantly I had
thrown them away on the road"
"It certainly would have been
wiser" retorts Shell, as she ruthlessly
losses the small bundle away amidst
clump of shrubs. Children have
such odd fancies."
II don't call that an odd fancy
call it a generous impulse" corrects
Ted, stolidly. "By the way"-lookine
at her keenly-"shall tell them the
fate of their poor little present."
GAS you please" answers Shell care
lessly; and then, knowing the pain
that would be inflicted by such reve-
lation, she adds quickly-"No, think
perhaps you had better not. Some peo-
Pile imagine that children are sensi-
tive, and 1 have no wish to wound
their feelings, in case they possess
any"
"In case they possess any?" repeats
Ted, positively flushing with mingled
anger and contempt. "You must be
very dense IL you have not yet dis
covered that those children are of 6
keenly nervous temperament"
81 know 1 am Dense" admits Shell
with not the faintest show of annoy.
ance or resentment. GAS for children
l don't profess to understand them
probably because 1 have no sympathy
with them"
Ted walks on beside her in thought
full silence. 1t seems to him a SAD
pity that Shell, who used to be such
a genial, sunny little creature, should
have changed into the hard callous be-
ing now talking to him. He would
like to account for the phenomenon
in some way, and is contemplating the
possibility of asking her If she has
been crossed in love, when their tete-
a-tete is cut short by Mrs. Widen.
Shell DEAR" says that lady, in 6
troubled tone, 81 wish you would rur
in and see to the making of the coffee
1T is sure not to be properly cleared
If you are not there. Mr.. ChampleJ
will excuse you, am sure-he knows
that we cannot afford efficient ser
wants"
IT am only too delighted to find tha
England still possesses young ladies
who are not above making themselves
useful" answers Ted, in bantering
teasing tone. There is nothing I ad
mire so much as domesticity in
woman. Most Of our girls are getting
so blue that it will be blue look GU
for their husbands"
Eyes, indeed" murmurs Mrs. viii
den, as Shell, with little toss Of he
head, walks away. Dear Shell is mos
useful-not very ornamental. but yer!
useful-thoroughly domesticated, ant
such a gentle, kind creature. 1 Otter
wonder how 1 should get on withou
her."
In the meantime Ruby. at the othe
side of the lawn, is listening to piec
of intelligence which causes her cheek