Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1899-01-26

1hls argument is unansweia able, for
no one knows better than Shell that
their income Is not equal to any great
additional strain. Feeling that any
resistance she can offer will be futile,
Shell shrugs her shoulders and leaves
the room. Nothing remains to her now
but to strike out a separate line of
action for herself She is fully de-
termined about one thing-wild horses
shall not drag her to Oakford.
When everything is fully arranged
and packing is at its height, Shell
startles the household.
1T will be very awkard having only
three bedrooms" vi remarks in a
grumbling tone, for the more she con-
templates six weeks spent away from
civilization the less she likes the pros
pect. '0f course the servants must
have one; and then we must all cram
into the two others"
Not at all, DEAR" Ruby hastens to
explain. Mamma and Shell can have
the big room, and you and l a little
one each; as for Mary, she can do quite
well with a chair bedstead in the
kitchen"
How delightful for Mary!" laughs
Shell. ut is to be hoped she has a
strong liking for cockroaches and
crickets."
Now, please, Shell, don't go setting
Mary against the arrangement" says
Ruby imploringly. Mamma do ask
her not?"
Don't be alarmed" answers Shell,
with a curious little laugh. Il have
not the slightest intention of interior
ring with any of the arrangements at
the cottage. They don't concern me
in the least, since | shan't be there .
Not be there-what do you mean
Of course you will be there!" declares
Ruby, looking very much astonished
Not unless mamma insists upon 1t;
and l am sure she won't" laughs
Shell 'As you know, | have been sci
against the idea from the commence
| ment, so | mean to remain here
monarch of all | survey'-and have
a right down jolly time of it all t
myself"
What rubbish" cries Ruby impa
tiently. Susan is going to be put OF
board-wages; and she is to give the
house thorough cleaning during oul
absence"
We'll | can be put on board wages
too; and | certainly won't proven
Susan from cleaning the house. shar
be out all day long" responds Shell
| Mamma, please make her go.
would seem so odd her not going,
urges Ruby.
But Mrs Widen is too easy goint
to oppose actively any of her children
Truth to tell. she rather envies Shell
her coming solitude, and even ex
| presses it as her opinion that it is
pity that dreadful cottage was eve
| taken. This rebellion on her indulgen
mothers part is quickly talked dowr
| by Ruby, whose constant fear from
the beginning has been that he
scheme will ultimately fall through
She knows that her mother woult
| rather stay at home; she Is fully awar,
| that Violet is grooming in spirit owe
what she is pleased to term her com
| ing exile" so she thinks it wiser oil
the whole to leave Shell to her owl
devices, lest enlarging on the them,
should stir up revolt in other AM
more important quarters.
Then there comes a triumphan
morning when, backed up by vas
amount of unnecessary luggage, RUBY
carries off her three yietims-for Mar,
can truthfully be reekoned In that cate
gory-to enjoy the bracing air anC
scant accommodation of Oakmoor.
Shell, as she stands on the Doorstep
and waves them smiling adieu, look.
the impersonation of mischieyous con
tentment.
Be sure to change the library book,
| the moment you get them, and don"
delay single post in sending then
off" entreats Violet earnestly.
And any groceries we can't ge
there you must send by Parcels Post,
adds Ruby
How the Oakmoor postman vii
bless you'" laughs Shell as she mods
assent; and then, springing on to thu
step of the cab, she imprints a dozer
hasty kisses on her mothers troubled
! cheek.
Why does she heave a sigh, not
withstanding the brightness of TIL
morning, as she turns to re-enter thu
| house?