The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1898-09-16
cuApTER IJI-(Continued. J


lety.
my sister imagined that she had
succeeded in teaching them their al
phabet," laughs Robert Champley'
"but Bob still confounds 81 and o.
whilst Meg's learning is limited to an
acquaintance with the letter o."
Dreadful" calculates Ruby, look
ing shocked mo time must be lost.
I think so much depends upon chilo's
early training and l know that was
dear Claras idea too"
"Was it?" questions Mr.. Champley
eagerly, and with his keen eyes hxeo
steadily on Ruby, as though she had
suddenly turned into an oracle. IN
that case must see about 1t at once:
but must manage to get someone VINO
will make their lessons more than hall
play, for they are neither OF them par
ticularly strong, poor children, and
would not have them worried on any
account. dare say If offer hanu-
some salary l shall be able to get
them a governess who will listen 10
my wishes on that point. l had pet-
ter, l think, advertise for some one
about twenty, then she Will not Dc
above, playing with the children, ana
she will not have got soured by Dur
feting with the world"
ooh, Mr.. Champley, what an utter
ly mistaken ideal" cries Ruby, in real
CONSERVATION at this most dangerous
suggestion. what you want Is a
woman of sixty-a thorough disclph-
marian"
"Oh, no, 1 don't" responds Mr..
Champley. 81 am not going to mana
over my children to martinez. lie
speaks with such unusual decision that
Ruby begins most heartily to wish she
had not preached the subject OF edu-
cation.
"But girls are so inexperienced and
often so impatient with children, she
falters. "If you are determined TO
have young person, would 1t not De
better to engage some one in the
neighborhood who could come to them
for few hours day?'
"That is a very good idea, as far as
it goes" answers Mr. Champley re-
fectively. only where am l to ma
herr"
Suddenly bright thought-nay, al
most an inspiration-strikes RUBY.
Looking up at him, with claspeo
hands and beseeching eyes, she says
ooh. Mr. Champley, if l might only
be allowed to teach them, l would
with pleasure!"
"You, Miss Widen" says her COM
panion in surprise-"you?"
Eyes. Why not?" questions RUBY
quickly. II was their mothers best
friend, and l dote on children. you
do not know how much brightness
would be added to my lot if you would
only entrust me with their education"
IT had no idea that you had any GIT
that way"
"I think I have At any rate l
know that it would make me very
happy if you would send me Bob and
Meg for a few hours three mornings
week."
Mr.. Champley frowns and looks I'M
comfortable.
"I-I really could not dream of so far
troubling you, Miss Widen" he says,
with a decided head-shake. Teaching
is very irksome work, unless to the In
itiated, and do not wish my children
to become a burden on my friends"
ooh. nonsense!" cries Ruby, with a
playful smile. Don't l tell you that
should enjoy having them?" Rails
ing her voice little she calls her
mother to her aid. Mamma, am
trying to induce Mr.. Champley to let
me teach Bob and Meg. Don't you
think 1t would really do me good to
have some regular occupations"
"Of course it would, my dear" ac-
ouiesces Mrs. Widen cheerfully-"only
I am not quite sure you know much to
teach them"
'sYou see. mamma thinks me in
competent" says Ruby, smiling per-
haps you object to my plan for the
same reasonY'
ooh, dear MOI" laughs Robert
Champley. 81 have no doubt whatever
of your ability; but"
"In that case 1 shan't listen to your
butts" says Ruby archly, as she rises
from her seat and crosses over to the
piano. "and l shall consider the mat
ter settled. Next Monday shall ex-
meet the dear children at ten o'clock
precisely"
Then, without allowing time for any
objection, she takes the seat which
Shell has just vacated, and breaks into
a brilliant arrangement of lively
Scotch airs.
Robert Champley makes one more
effort to free himself from an obliga-
ton which is so exceedingly distaste-
full; but his not very clear reasons are
quickly overruled by Ruby and her
mother, so that he leaves the Wilder
ness that evening with cloud on his
usually placid brow.
81 wish that woman had more tact,
he confides gloomily to Ted as, hav-
ing donned light overcoats and lighted