Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1899-02-04
CHAPTER III.-(Continued.)

AACA>SA. as aS ANaGss WAsLA NOSh oAA
iety.
My sister imagined that she had
succeeded in teaching them their al
phabet," laughs Robert Champley;
but Bob still confounds 81 and d.
whilst Meg's learning is limited to an
acquaintance with the letter o."
Dreadful" calculates Ruby. look
Ing shocked. mo time must be lost.
think so much depends upon child's
early training and l know that was
dear Clara's idea too"
Was it," questions Mr.. Champley
eagerly. and with his keen eyes fixed
steadily on Ruby, as though she had
suddenly turned into an oracle. I'm
that case l must see about 1t at once.
but must manage TO get someone who
will make their lessons more than half
play, for they are neither of them par
ticularly strong, poor children, and I
would not have them worried on any
account. I dare say IL l offer a hand
some salary 1 shall be able to get
my wishes on that point had bet
ter, 1 think. advertise for some one
about twenty, then she will not be
above playing with the children, and
she win not have got soured by buf-
feting with the world"
''Oh. 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 disciple
MARIAN
''Oh. no. / DON'T" responds Mr..
Champley. Il am not going to hand
. over my children to martinez He
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 a young person, would it not be
better TO engage some one in the
neighborhood who could come to them
for few hours day."
THAT is very good idea, as far as
1t goes" answers Mr.. Champley re-
fiectively. only where am l to find
herr"
Suddenly bright thought-nay, al
most an nspiration-strikes Ruby.
Looking up at him, with clasped
hands and beseeehing eyes, she says
''Ob. Mr.. Champley. IL l might only
be allowed to teach them, 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!"
Il had no idea that you had any gift
that way"
Il think I have. At any rate
know that 1t would make me very
happy il you would send me Bob and
Meg for few hours three mornings a
week"
Mr.. Champley frowns and looks I'M
comfortable.
IL 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 I do not wish my children
to become q burden on my friends"
"Oh, nonsense!" cries Ruby, with a
playful smile. Don't tell you that
/ should enjoy having them?" Rails
ing her voice a 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 it would really do me good to
have some regular occupation?"
"of course it would, my DEAR" ac-
quiesces. Mrs. Widen cheerfully-"only
1 am not quite sure you know much to
teach them"
you see. mamma thinks me in
competent" says Ruby, smiling-"per-
haps you object to my plan for the
same reason?'
"Oh, dear no." laughs Robert
Champips. 81 have no doubt whatever
of your ability; but"
In that case l shan't listen to your
butts" says Ruby archIy, as she rises
from her seat and crosses over to the
piano, "and | shall consider the mat
ter settled Next Monday / shall ex-
pect 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
brilliant arrangement OF lively
Scotch airs.
Robert Champley makes one more
effort to free himself from an oblfga-
ton which is so exceedingly distaste-
full; but his not very clear reasons are
quickly oyerruled. by Ruby and her
mother. so that he leaves the Wilder
ness that evening with a cloud on his
usually placid brow.
II wish that woman had more tact"
he confides gloomily to Ted as, hav-
ing donned light oyercoats and lighted
their cigars. they wend their way down
the short drive.
(which uroypau u,,or;aa Ted In, n