Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1899-02-03
Shell l: ! sezzzsz| !
Widen.
A ROMANCE !


This argument Is unanswerable, 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 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
grumblng tone, for the more she con-
templates six weeks spent away from
civilization the less she likes the pros
pect. "Of course the servants must
have one; and then we must all cram
into the two Others"
mot at all, DEAR" Ruby hastens to
explain. Mamma and Shell can have
the big room, and you and a little
one each; as for Mary, she can do quite
we'll with a chairJbedstead in the
kitchen"
How delightful for Nary" laughs
Shell. 1T 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 impl ringly. Mamma, do ask
her not?"
Don't be alarmed" answers Shell,
with a curious little laugh. II have
not the slightest intention of interfer-
ring with any of the arrangements at
the cottage. They don't concern me
in the least, since I sha'n't be there"
mot be there-what do you mean?
OF course you will be there!" declares
Ruby, looking very much astonished.
mot unless mamma insists upon it;
and I am sure she WON'T" laughs
Shell. Gas you know, have been set
against the idea from the commence
ment, so I mean to remain here
monarch of all I survey'-and have
a right down jolly time of it all to
myself"
What rubbish" cries Ruby impa-
,tiently. Susan is going to be put on
board wages; and she is to give the
house thorough cleaning during our
absence"
"Well, I can be put on board-wages
too; and certainly won't prevent
Susan from cleaning the house. shan
be out all day long," responds She'll
Mamma, please make her 60. 1t
would seem so odd her not going"
urges Ruby.
But Mrs. Widen is too easy going
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 ever
taken. This rebellion on her indulgent
mothers part is quickly talked down
by Ruby, whose constant fear from
the beginning has been that her
scheme will ultimately fall through.
She knows that her mother would
rather stay at home; she is fully aware
that Violet is grooming in spirit over
what she is pleased to term her "com-
ing exile" so she thinks it wiser on
the whole to leave Shell to her own
devices, lest charging on the theme
should stir up revolt in other and
more important quarters.
Then there comes triumphant
morning when, backed up by vast
amount of unnecessary luggage, Ruby
carries off her three victims-for Mary
can truthfully be reckoned in that cate
gory-to enjoy the bracing air and
scant accommodation of Oakmoor.
Shell, as she stands on the doorstep
and waves them smiling adieu, looks
the impersonation of mischievous con-
tentment.
BE sure to change the library books
the moment you get them, and don't
delay a single post in sending them
off," entreats Violet earnestly.
"And any groceries We can't get
there you must send by Parcels Post"
adds Ruby.
How the Oakmoor postman will
bless you!" laughs Shell as she mods
assent; and then, springing on to the
step OF the cab, she imprints dozen
hasty kisses on her mothers troubled
cheek.
Why does she heave a sigh, not
withstanding the brightness of the
morning, as she turns to re-enter the