Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1899-02-03
CHAPTER X.-(Continued. }


why are you not with Mrs. Widen
and the others?" he continues kindly,
as he follows Shell into the drawing
room, which looks bare and desoiate,
for Shell has not found courage even
to renew the flowers during the past
few days.
Il did not wish to CO." she ex-
plains vaguely, as she seats herself on
low chair and takes puse on her
knee. II thought it would be SO
stupid and dull on the moor"
Robert Champley stares at her with
an amused smile.
Surely it could not be much duller
than you are here?" he ventures with
a laugh; and then adds almost stern
ly, You ought not to have been left
here alone"
But wouldn't go," reiterates Shell
decidedly. 1T is nobody's fault but my
own; they we're all very much vexed
with me for not going, only-only l
preferred remaining behind"
II am afraid you must be very de-
termined young lady"
Yes, 1 am very obstinate" assents
Shell, applying the most obnoxious
term she can think OF to her decision OF
character; then, anxious to be done
with personalities, she continues, But
you came with message. How are
they all getting on at Oakford?"
For a moment there is a look OF
pnh ~ m
face, then he laughs OF the question
gaily.
"Oh your sister seems charmed with
the moor; Mrs. Widen not quite so
enchanted; whilst Miss Flower, l hear,
has threatened more than once 10 run
awayl Amongst other troubles. it
seems she is suffering intensely from
cold-not having come sufficiently sup
piled with wraps for the keen brac-
ing air. / am charged with a note
begging you to send her all the furs
you can lay your hands on-she de-
clares the Arctic regions must be tropl-
cal compared with Oakmoor!"
"vi is always shivery." laughs Shell,
as she takes the small tinted note, re-
dolent of orris-root, and scans the
hastily -scrawled lines. well, 1t won't
take me long to gather up her bundle
sent, 1 wonder?"
by train to Imply station, thence
by the carrier to Oakford, / suppose"
answers Mr.. Champley briskly; then,
seeing Shells involuntary start OF sur
prise, he adds, Il should have been
very pleased to take them had been
going that way"
Shell still stares at him In open
eyed amazement-
II thought you were going to spend
tho summer at Oakmoor?" she falters;
and then faint smile Fuckers up her
cannot help feeling anus
ed at the unexpected turn events are
taking.
Yes; true-I had intended to do So"
answers Robert Champley In slow
voice, but 1 have changed
nv mind. The children seem 50 thor
oughly happy at the farm that
thought l would take advantage Of
their being there to take short run
on the continent Your sister, Miss
Widen, has been, as usual, partcu-
larly kind-she has offered to keep an |
eye on the little ones-so l feel that |
they are perfectly safe" He finishes
his statement with a deep-drawn Sigh; |
and Shen bushes crimson in the gath
ering twilight as she realizes the fact |
that he has been driven abroad by Ru-
by's pertinacity.
Would they not have been safer at
Champley House with Mrs. Tolley to
look after them?" ventures Shell du-
biously.
Again the father signs.
II think the air up there is good for
Meg" he answers. drawing his hand
slowly across his brow; "the child has
lot been herself of late-even Rob has
turned listless with the heat; but 1
ion't doubt / shall find them strong
enough on my return-the Oakmoor
Dir is better than any medicine"
And yet you are running away from
t." laughs Shell mischievously.
"a week OF it seemed enough for
FED" explains Mr.. Champley, throw
ng the onus of his departure on his
rother's innocent shoulders. I'VE
bought we should have time for q rush
through Switzerland before the long
acaticn. Ted has never been to Swift
eriand."
II hope You both win enjoy IT," re-
marks Shell tamely.
Then there ensues an awkward
ause-neither guest nor hostess seems .
. have any further remark to make {
II Robert Champley's eyes. travelling [