Rocky Ford enterprise. (Rocky Ford, Colo.) 1887-1950, 1898-09-22
Shell I Il E93zzszl
Widen.


been spoken to: then. turning upon
piercingly dark in the lamp-light, she
says quietly
Il beg your pardon"
Ted Champley feels taken back; his
remark-which savors in his own mind
slightly OF the sentimental, and indeed
was made In somewhat sentimental
tone-cannot be repeated In face OF
that stolid air of Indifference on Shells
part; SO he changes his former CONVEX
sation for another.
You seem to have become wonder
fully industrious since saw you last"
he says. glancing anything but admir-
ingly at the pretty garland OF flowers
that is growing under her white I'm
gers.
Yes: l 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-
ton as though her living depended up
on It.
Upon my word" laughs Ted. at is
my belief that a good many children
are wiser than their elders-so obser-
want, you know, and all that kind OF
thing. / really don't think you would
class all children together again as be-
ing stupid II you only knew those
little kids of Roberts; they are awful
little sharpers."
81 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 n rather hooking laugh.
well. yes-Robert does take de-
cided interest in Bob and Meg. Seeing
that they are his own children. per-
haps 1t 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.
II don't see how any one could help
liking them-poor little beggars!" con-
tinues the young man bluntly, and in
a 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? II so, you must
please forgive me; for don't like chill
dren.'
Ted makes no remark for few mo-
ments, but sits watching her with keen
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 a 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 4briskly. Let me see"-refiec-
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 trio with vi and Robert
Champley-give utterance to false
note. Shell. 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. l know. few artistic
tastes. l remember you used to play
some very jolly pieces, so you must be
fond of music
Shell shakes her head in q despon-
dent manner.
NO" she answers carelessly, II have
no talent for anything in particular.
OF course play little and sketch a
little; but l do nothing we'll enough
for it to be pleasing to anybody but
myself"
How do you know that If you never
give your friends the chance of judg-
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 tone Of friendly
warning.
will you let me hear you play
once?" asks Ted eagerly.
"Oh, certainly, if you wish; only
won't it be rather cruel infliction for
everybody else?" says Shell naively.
mo, am sure it won't" answers her
companion, in a 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 music-stand, turning over the loose
music in the drawer.
Surely you are not going to play?"
she exclaims, in tone of mingled dis
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