Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1899-01-20
Shell L. . E9zzzSz|
Widen.
A ROMANCE



on a few steps by his side, that she
may not appear too pointedly unso-
cable.
"By-the-way, I had almost forgot
ten,' remarks Ted, laughing-"Bob
and Meg charged me with a commits
sion. I am entrusted with mysteri-
GUS packet, which l faithfully prom
Used to deliver into your own hands,"
and from his pocket he produces a
small and remarkably clumsy paper
parcel tied up with a bit of color ID
wool.
II think there must be some mis-
take" says Shell, looking at the prof
fered offering superciliously; "they
probably meant it for Ruby"
ION the contrary, l was particularly
cautioned not to entrust it to your
sister, laughs Ted. II believe it is
of an edible nature, and they feared
the temptation might be too great"
Shell takes the packet reluctantly,
and, standing still for moment in
the pathway, cautiously opens it, dis
playing to view some half-dozen choco-
late creams of decidedly crushed and
not very tempting appearance.
For moment a beautiful and gentle
smile lights up her every feature; then
she remembers with start the part
she is acting, and asks scornfully-
What on earth induced them to
send me these things?"
"They probably thought you would
appreciate them-poor children!" an
swers Ted, rather holly. "They got a
box as a present this morning, and
wouldn't give me any peace until I
consented to bring you over some. l
Neutrality-suspicious. had
thrown them away on the road"
ut certainly would have been
WISER" retorts Shell, as she ruthlessly
losses the small bundle away amidst
a clump of shrubs. children have
such odd fancies."
II don't call that an odd fancy-I
call it a generous impulse" corrects
Ted, stolidly. "By the way'-looking
at her keenly-"shall I tell them the
fate of their poor little present"
"As you please" answers Shell care
lessly; and then, knowing the pain
that would be inflicted by such a reve-
lation, she adds quickly-"No, I think
perhaps you had better not Some peo-
pie imagine that children are sensi-
tive, and l have no wish to wound
their feelings, in case they possess
any,"
I'm case they possess any?" repeats
Ted, positively flushing with mingled
anger and contempt. "You ct be
very dense if you have not ~ dis
covered that those children are of a
keenly nervous temperament"
Il know am Dense" admits She'll
with not the faintest show of annoy
ance or resentment. CAS- for children,
l don't profess to understand them
probably because l have no sympathy
with them"
Ted walks on beside her in thought
full silence. It seems to him sad
pity that Shell, who used to be such
a genial, sunny little creature, should
have changed into the hard callous be-
ing now talking to him. He would
like to account for the phenomenon
in some way, and is contemplating the
possibility of asking her if she has
been crossed in love, when their tete-
a-tete is cut short by Mrs. Widen.
"Shell DEAR" says that lady, in a
troubled tone, II wish you would run
in and see to the making of the coffee
it is sure not to be properly cleared
if you are not there. Mr.. Champley
will excuse you, am sure-he knows
that we cannot afford efficient SER
wants"
Il am only too delighted to find that
England still possesses young ladies
who are not above making themselves
useful" answers Ted, in a bantering,
teasing tone. There is nothing l ad-
mire so much as domesticity in
woman. Most of our girls are getting
so blue that it will be blue look out
for their husbands"
Yes, indeed" murmurs Mrs. Will
den, as Shell, with a little toss of her
head, walks away. Dear Shell is most
useful-not very ornamental, but very
useful-thoroughly domesticated, and
such a gentle, kind creature. l often
wonder how I should get on without
her."
In the meantime Ruby, at the other
side Of the lawn, is listening to a piece
Of intelligence which causes her cheeks
to turn pale, whilst she flutters her fan
with increased nervous energy.
"You think the dear children need
changer" she is saying in tone of
bewilderment. II thought they were
looking remarkably well; and the pets
are always in such excellent spirits
Meg is not well" answers the father
decislvely. "She seems languid and
heavy. The air here is very relaxing
during the hot months; I think I shall
AXE her to Scotland"
ooh, not to Southampton child
the journey would be so dreadfullv
pleads Ruby, as she thinks
with CONSERVATION of the impossible
ty of inducing her mother to permit
her to go so far from home--fcr al
ready her quick brain has formed a
plan for following the children.
"Yes. it might be trying for so young
4 child,' agrees Mr.. Champley thought
fully. 'In that case | must be con-
tent with the moors or the North
Devon coast
II should just keep her at home, and
send her down by the sea every morn
is always bracing," OBJ