Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1898-11-16
r. G.. s."

ANAS
violently. A white-capped maid took the
yellow envelope from the telegraph boy
and carried it to her mistress. Mrs. Nor
timer surveyed the last few stitches she
had put in her embroidery and remarked
to her daughters as she put it down upon
her lap and began leisurely to tear open
the envelope, From your father, most
likely. He is fond of sending kilograms,
and certainly does not agree with Shakes
peare that 'brevity is the soul of wiz"
1T is a mercy, mammal" laughed
Edith, the older girl, that you don't
grow weak and trembling at the sight of
a yellow envelope, as some people do.
You would have had plenty of practice by
this time if you did, for papa has sent a
telegram every day he has been away
from home since l can remember.
This is the third this week, isn't it,"
yes" replied the mother, 'but usually
they are more commonplace than this
one"
She reread its contents and tossed it
over to her daughters.
MET Stanton last night: have dis
missed the nurse of his youngest son.
VIII bring the latter home tomorrow.
Love to the girls read Maud. THAT
is exactly like papa. But what are you
going 70 do with the boy?" she asked.
I love little boys" put in Edith. "I'l
be substituted for the nurse girl papa dis
missed"
This is really quite inconsiderate of
your father" said Mrs. Mortimer. Just
when our time is most occupied he is go
ing to bring home the youngest son of d
former school friend, throwing everything
into confusion and starting everybody to
huD+iDU for old tOvS-:
The nursery is full of those" inter
rupted Edith; "aren't YOU glad that you
left that room just as It used to be when
we were little? The child can sleep in.
one Of those small beds"
''There is the luncheon bell" said her
mother. folding up her work and rising.
"Well," said Edith, as she started down
stairs. shall consider that boy as my
special property. l wonder how old he
isl
Maud continued, Il can't determine,
ing picture-to see Edith in one of
Maggie's caps and aprons in full attend
ance upon a red-faced little boy Or
stop" interrupted Edith. THAT boy is
going to be a handsome little fellow
"Or," continued Maud, ito see young
around after Edith with her paint
boxes"
"Well.'' said Mrs. Mortimer. "we shall
do what we can with the child. [ wish
your father had moi thought of bringing
him home
The next day the early January twi-
light had fallen when Mr.. Mortimer and
the son of his old school chum reached
the formers house.. Edith was standing
in the open doorway, Maud and her
mother behind her.
I'm so glad you're home again." Edith
said joyfully. But where is the little
Little boy?' returned her father won
d%eringly.
Come in first" said Mrs. Mortimer.
edith has been opening that door so
often to see if there was any signs of you
that the house is as cold as Greenland.
Still, there is no need to make it colder"
MIR. Mortimer introduced "Robert Stan
ton" to his wife and daughters; then the
two men followed Mrs. Mortimer into the
library.
Well, little girl" said Edith's father;
"of what boy were you speaking?"
The one you telegraphed you would
bring home with YOU" replied she. Mr..
StantOn's little brother, was it not?''
MIR. Mortimer did not understand, so
Maud explained: you know, papa, you
said you had dismissed his nurse and
would bring him home"
Then Mr.. Mortimer understood, and he
and Stanton laughed heartily. AS soon
as he could do so the former began by
way of explanation: ''The day before
yesterday | was on my way to my hotel
when some one clapped me on the shout
der with a Hello, old fellow, where did
you drop from?' [ looked around and
there was Dick Stanton, my chum at
school. When he heard | was to stay in
the city for a day or two he insisted on
my going home with him.
And there you saw that dear little
boy" said Edith; really papa, if you
knew the fine times l have had planning
it all out you'd go right back after him."
Yes" Maud remarked, "she has
bought a charming little horse and wag-
on, a Woolly dog, a top, a ball, a drum
and a tin horn and a few other things for
him TO play with"
Does he like toys?" asked Mr.. Morti-
kled as he replied: He could hardly
help liking those
when [ reached his home" continued
MI. Mortimer, L found that his young
est son had just recovered from an injury
he had received some time before in a
railroad accident. Although he was quite
himself again, the nurse was vet at the
house. The physician recommended a
change Of air, SO l dismissed the nurse
and brought him home. Your little boy
IS here now, Edith" he added with a
genial laugh.
ana ne VIII be most pleased to play
with YOU" added the little boy. ''Tops,
Wootly dogs and tin horns were ever his
chief delight"
Had there been even the slightest shade
OF embarrassment in Robert Stanton's po-
sition, it was entirely forgotten in the
laugh which followed. The next few days
passed pleasantly to everyone. Mr.. and
Mrs. Mortimer liked Stanton more and
more, and he and the girls soon became
great friends.
Have you anything special to do?'
Maud asked him one morning.
No" he answered. "Why?'
L thought perhaps you might like to
come VI to our studio"
Your studio?" inquired Robert.
"Oh, forgot you did not know about