Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1899-01-27

to hear her talk, how they have man
aged to exist so many summers
through at the Wilderness without ac
curing all the maladles to which flesh
is heir.
Shell is not present when the dis
cussion takes place, but her indigna-
ton when the plan is unfolded to heI
is unbounded.
You don't mean to say. Ruby, that
you are actually thinking of following
the Champleys to the moor?" she says,
In voice OF such infinite scorn that
Ruby flushes uneasily.
What nonsense you talk, She'll"
she returns angrily. you seem to
have the Champleys on the brain We
are going to the moor because mamma
Is In need Of bracing air. Is there any
thing so very extraordinary in that?"
There is something extraordinary
In your having selected the same vii
lage," answers Shell decidedly. "If
mamma wants bracing air why not
take her to the North of Devon?"
Because rooms there would be
frightfully expensive; whereas the cot
tage on the moor Is mere trife," re-
spends Ruby loftily.
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 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
grumbling 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"
Not at all. dear" Ruby hastens to
explain Mamma and Shell can have
the big room, and you and l little
one each; as for Mary she can do quite
well with chair-bedstead in the
kitchen"
'How delightful for Maryi" laughs
Shell. ut is to be hoped she has a
strong liking for cockroaches and
crickets."
Now please She'll don't go setting
Mary against the arrangement, says
Ruby imploringly. Mamma, do ask
her not?"
Don't be alarmed" answers Shell, |
with curious little laugh. II have
not the slightest intention of interfer-
ing with any of the arrangements at
he cottage. They don't concern me
n the least. since | sha'nt be there"
Not be there-what do you mean?
u course you will be there!" declares
Ruby, looking very much astonished.
Not unless mamma insists upon It:
md l am sure she won't" laughs
shell. "As you know, have been set
Igainst the Idea from the commence
nent. so | mean to remain here
OF all l survey'-and have
! right down jolly time OF 1t all to
myself
What rubbish" cries Ruby impa-
iently. Susan Is going TO be put on
oard-wages: and she is to give the
ouse thorough cleaning during our
bsence."
well. can be put on board-wages
DO; and | certainly won't prevent
usan from cleaning the house. shan
9 out all day long" responds Shell.
Mamma, please make her CO. 1t
'ould seem so odd her not going
rges Ruby.
But Mrs Widen Is too easy going ,
|, oppose actively any OF her children. (
Truth to tell. she rather envies Shell
ar coming solitude. and even ex- !
-esses It as her opinion that 1t Is a /
ty that dreadful cottage was ever a
ken. This rebellion on her indulgent $
others part is quickly talked down
7 Ruby. whose constant fear from | I
le beginning has been that her r
heme will ultimately fall through. q
he knows that her mother would
Their stay at home; she is fully aware
at Violet is grooming In spirit over =
hat she Is pleased to term her com c
6 exile" so she thinks 1t wiser on $
q whole to leave Shell to her own
vices, lest charging on the theme h
ould stir up revolt in other and II
ore important quarters. d
Then there comes triumphant
orning when, backed up by a vast
Mount Of unnecessary luggage, Ruby
rries OF her three Victims-for Mary 2.