Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1899-12-07
MANS KINDERGARTEN


easy chair on the piazza. 1T did seem
as II school would never end, but ev-
erything has an end IL you can only
walt for 1t, and this blessed day winds
up the term. and now for a good sum-
mer's rest from teaching the, young
idea and all its attendant Affections. I"
well, dear, are you tired?" said her
mother as she entered.
''Tired to death. and l believe / al
most wish might not see child again
until September. Don't, please, don't
take any children to board at the cot
tage this summer, ma"
why, Nan Gray. always thought
you loved children"
$50 do, mamma, but after one has
eaten pound Of chocolates she doesn't
care for any more Immediately, does
she? Don't you understand?
Yes. Nan. l see. We will announce
No children need apply so don't
worry"
The next morning Nan and George,
house at the beach, where they were
to take few boarders. On the steamer
sitting near them was young man
with three children and nurse maid.
The youngest child was about year
Did, a bright, pretty little thing. The
other two were boys. perhaps 3 and 3
years old. with sweet faces and cum
ming ways.
''Nan," said George, ''go and ask him
IL he doesn't want a nice boarding
place for the summer. That's just
what you've been looking for in the
way of boarders, you know"
Nan flashed look at her brother,
then turned her eyes to the broad ex-
panse of sea, but in spite Of herself
her thoughts would come back to the
group near by. II wonder where they
are going Where's the mamma? Per-
haps she's dead. He does look sad and
serious. How lovingly he holds the
little boyr But 1t was nearly time
for our travellers to land, and they be-
gan TO pick up their bundles and bags.
Look. Nan, they land here, too. III
bet cookie they are coming In answer
to that 'ad' for a few boarders you put
in the paper. Jolly! wouldn't it be a
joke on you, though, sis!" And George
chuckled heartily.
Dear me, ought to have added NO
children but l forgot. Do you sup
pose they can be coming to our house,
ma ~
Time will tell, Man." said her moth
er, smiling. They walked briskly on
and reached their house few minutes
i'm advance Of the kindergarten par
ty." as Mans brother called 1t.
Looking around, they observed the
gentleman evidently inquiring the way
somewhere. He had stopped the local
fish merchant. and from all appear
ances was being directed to the Gray
cottage. In a moment came a ring at
the door, to which George responded.
Does Mrs. Gray live hefey inquired
the stranger who was leading the lit
tie boy OF 3 or A. Closely following
was another boy two or three years old.
err, and the nurse with the baby girl on
her arms. rs
George, though intensely amused at
Mans predicament. invited the party
in very politely, and spoke to his
mother f,ae eds
Nan. who had dropped into a chair in
the further part of the room, sat gaz-
ing out Of the window into the orchard.
She heard the gentleman Introduce
himself as Mr.. Bailey and tell her
mother that he had seen the advertise
ment in the paper. His wife died about
n year ago. and since that time his
mother had been with him and looked
after his little ones and directed the
servants. But Illness In her own home
had called her there, and for the sum-
mer at least she must remain away.
After seeing the lad" yesterday he
decided this morning to give the babies
a sail down the harbor and see II any
Arrangement for a summer home could
he nsS dc In case a suitable place was
found. The doctor had advised the
seashore. and he wanted them near
enough the city so he could see them
every day. II assure you they are good
children, Mrs. Gray, and Nurse Mary
Will see that they trouble no one. I
will pay you well II you will let them
have n home with you for a while"
Motherly Mrs. Gray would have said
"yes'' Immediately to his pleading, but
she remembered her promise to Nan.
ExcusIng herself. she beckoned Nan
into side room. "Well, Nan, you have
heard the plea, what do you sayw
"Oh, DEAR" said Nan. II don't see how
we can say mo- with those little moth
erless things right before us. IL had
emily been little wiser on wording that