Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1899-01-12

on a few steps by his side, that she
may not appear too pointedly unso-
ciable.
"By-the-way / had almost forgot
ten" remarks Ted, laughing-"Bob
and Meg charged me with a commits
| sion. / am entrusted with a mysteri-
GUS packet, which l faithfully prom
ised to deliver into your own hands"
and from his pocket he produces
small and remarkably clumsy paper
parcel tied up with a bit OF colored
wool.
Il think there must be some mis-
take" says Shell, looking at the prof
fered offering superclliously; they
probably meant 1t for Ruby"
"On the contrary, was particularly
cautioned not to entrust 1t to your
sister," laughs Ted. II believe 1t is
of an edible nature, and they feared
the temptation might be too great"
Shell takes the packet reluctantly,
and standing still for a moment in
the pathway. cautiously opens it, dis
playing to view some half-dozen choco-
iatc CiSdlus Vi q uSClu6uly tIu5HSu anu
not very tempting appearance.
For a moment beautiful and gentle
smile lights up her every feature; then
she remembers with a 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 childreal" 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. I
Neutrality-suspicious. l had
thrown them away on the road"
ut certainly would have been
wiser" retorts Shell, as she ruthlessly
losses the small bundle away amidst
a clump of shrubs. Children have
such odd fancies."
Il don't call that an odd fancy-I
call 1t generous impulse" corrects
Ted, stolidly. by the way"-looking
at her keenly-"shall tell them the
fate of their poor little present"
"As you please" answers Shell care
lessly; and then, knowing the pain
that would be inflicted by such a reve-
lation, she adds quickly-"No, / think
perhaps you had better not. Some peo-
pie imagine that children are sensi-
tive, and I 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 a
keenly nervous temperament"
Il know l am Dense" admits Shell
with not the faintest show of annoy.
ance or resentment. "As for children
don't profess to understand them
probably because l 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
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 thu
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 9
troubled tone, Il wish you would rur
In and see to the making of the coffee
1T Is sure not to be properly cleared
II you are not there. Mr.. Champley
will excuse you, l am sure-he knows
that We cannot afford efficient ser.
wants"
II am only too delighted to and thai
England still possesses young ladies
, who are not above making themselves
useful" answers Ted, In a bantering
teasing tone. There Is nothing | ad
mire SO much as domesticity in ,
, woman. Most of our girls are gettinl
so blue that it will be blue look out
for their husbands"
Yes, indeed" murmurs Mrs vii
den, as Shell. with little toss of hel
bead, walks away. Dear Shell ia mos
dseful-not very ornamental, but yer,
useful-thoroughly domesticated and
such gentle, kind creature. | often
wonder how l should get on without
her."
In the meantime Ruby, at the Other
side of the lawn, is listening to a piece
Of intelligence which causes her cheek,
to turn pale, whilst she flutters her far
with increased nervous energy.
You think the dear children neet
changer" she is saying In tone Of
bewildefment. II thought they were
looking remarkably well; and the pets
are always in such excellent spirits.
Meg is not WELL" answers the father
decisively. "She seems languid and
heavy. The air here Is very relaxins
during the hot months; I think | shall
take her to Scotland"
oh, not to seotland-poor child
the journey would be so dreadfully
fatiguing," pleads Ruby, as she thinks
with CONSERVATION OF the impossible
ity Of inducing her mother to permit
her to go so far from home-for al
ready her quick brain has formed 6
plan for following the children.
Yes. 1t might be trying for SO youns
child, agrees Mr.. Champley thought
fully. In that case must be con,
tent with the moors or the North
Devon coast"
II should just keep her at home, ant
send her down by the sea every morn
ing--sea air is always bracing," OBJ
| saryeo Ruhv with a faahia bono tb a