Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1898-12-22


ingly at the pretty garland Of flowers
that is growing under her white I'm
gers.
Yes; am very fond OF work When
you saw me last | was a child; and
children are so stupid-they never
think of anything but play returns
Shell scornfully, pursuing her occupa-
tion as though her living depended up
on 1t.
Upon my word" laughs Ted, at is
my belief that good many children
are wiser than their elders-so obsar-
want, you know, and all that kind of
thing. | really don't think you would
class all children together again as be-
ing stupid If you only knew those
little kids of Roberts; they are awful
little sharpers."
Il suppose their father takes quite
an interest in them?" remarks Shell
in bored tone.
Her companion stares at her for
some moments in amazement then
breaks into rather hooking laugh.
We'll yes-Robert does take a de-
cided interest in Bob and Meg. Seeing
that they are his own children, per-
haps it is not to be wondered at"
mo, of course-that would account
for it, responds Shell quietly, and ig-
noring the ring of sarcasm in Ted's
voice.
Il don't see how any one could help
liking them-poor little beggars!" CON
tinues the young man bluntly, and in
voice that speaks volumes of wonder
at his companions heartlessness.
Shell breaks into rather an affected
little laugh.
Dear me, she says wonderingly-
have | shocked you? If so, you must
please forgive me; for l don't like chill
dren."
Ted makes no remark for a few mo-
ments, but sits watching her with keen
scrutinizing eyes. expecting every in
slant that some relenting dimple
round her lips would belle her words
but no-Shell works on in serene I'M
consciousness, with her well-poised
head little on one side, and all her
attention apparently fixed upon her
work.
lis there anything under the sun that
you do like?" asks Ted at last, in a
tone of desperation.
"Oh, yes several things, answers
Shell briskly Let me see"-reflec-
tively-"I like work, and reading, and
l am awfully fond of gooseberry tart. !"
Ted bursts into such hearty peal
of laughter that Ruby-who is engaged
in singing a trio with vi and Robert
Champley-g utterance to false
note. She'll after futile effort to CON
troll her trembling lips, joins in his
merriment.
mo; but seriously" he says, when
they have both done laughing, you
must have, | know, a few artistic
tastes. I remember you used to play
some very jolly pieces, so you must be
fond of music"
Shell shakes her head in despon-
dent manner.
NO" she answers carelessly, 81 have
no talent for anything in particular
Of course play little and | sketch
little; but l do nothing we'll enough
for 1t to be pleasing to anybody but
myself"
How do you know that II you never
give your friends the chance of iudg-
ing?' asks Ted, still trying to strike
some spark OF emotion out of this
stolid maiden.
"oh. they are quite at liberty to
judge for themselves il they like, only
nobody wants to hear me play twice!"
answers Shell, in a tone of friendly
warning.
"Will you let me hear you play
onee?" asks Ted eagerly.
"Oh, certainly, II you wish; only
won't 1t be rather cruel infiiction for
everybody else?" says Shell naiyely.
mo, am sure 1t won't" answers her
companion, in voice of such utter
confidence that Fuckers of amusement
gather around Shells lips after the
most wicked fashion.
Great is Ruby's CONSERVATION and
annoyance when she leaves the piano
to see Shell down on her knees beside
the musie-stand, turning over the loose
music in the drawer.
Surely you are not going to playa
s9AAS GAhAthtAAlSp IL q eDiAS Vi llIiI8l6u us
approval and annoyance, for Ruby's
music is her one strong point, and she
hates to be cast into the shade by her
younger sister. As rule Shell is wont
to hide her light under a bushel and
it is provoking, to say the least, that
she should depart from her usual
course on the present occasion.
oh, yes, am going to play have
been asked" responds Shell innocent
ly.
With a shrug of her shoulders Ruby
passes on, whilst Shell, selecting from
the long disused contents of the drawer
dreary sing-song air, sits down al
the piano and commences to wade la
boriously and In a very mechanical
way through its twelve variations II
Is piece that requires practice and
very quick playing to render it even
bearable-as Shell had never had pa
thence to read 1t quite through until
this evening her performance Is any
thing but brilliant one.
CHAPTER III.
Edward Champley, who has taken
up his stand beside the piano in ex-
pectation of a musical treat. does his