The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1900-01-26
CHAPTER III.-(Continued.)

menced?" asks Ruby, with keen anX-
lety.
MY sister imagined that she had
succeeded in teaching them their al
phabet," laughs Robert Champley;
'but Bob still confounds 81 and d.
whilst Meg's learning is limited to an
acquaintance with the letter o."
Dreadful" calculates Ruby. look
ing shocked. "No time must be lost.
think so much depends upon a child's
early training and 1 know that was
dear Clara's idea too"
WAS it," questions Mr.. Champley
eagerly, and with his keen eyes fixed
steadily on Ruby, as though she had
suddenly turned into an oracle. I'm
that case must see about it at once:
but must manage to get someone who
will make their lessons more than half
play, for they are neither Of them par
ticularly strong, poor children, and l
would not have them worried on any
account. l dare say if 1 offer hand
some salary I shall be able to get
them a governess who will listen to
my wishes on that point. I had bet
ter, I think, advertise for some one
about twenty, then she will not be
above playing with the children, and
she will not have got soured by buf-
feting with the world
ooh. Mr.. Champley, what an utter
iy mistaken ideal" cries Ruby, in real
CONSERVATION at this most dangerous
suggestion. What you want is
woman of sixty-a thorough disciple
MARIAN"
''Oh, no, 1 don't" responds Mr..
Champley. 81 am not going to hand
over my children to martinez" He
speaks with such unusual decision that
Ruby begins most heartily to wish she
had not preached the subject of edu-
cation.
But girls are so inexperienced and
often so impatient with children" she
falters. eff you are determined to
have young person. would it not be
better to engage some one in the
neighborhood who could come to them
for few hours day."
THAT is very good idea, as far as
IT goes" answers Mr.. Champley re-
hectively. ."Only where am 1 to find
herr"
Suddenly a bright thought-nay, al
most an inspiraticn-strikes Ruby.
Looking up at him, with clasped
hands and beseeching eyes, she says
''Oh, Mr.. Champley, if I might only
be allowed to teach them, I would
with pleasure!"
You, Miss Widen" says her COM
panion in surprise-"you?"
Yes. Why not?" questions Ruby
quickly. II was their mothers best
friend, and 1 dote on children. You
do not know how much brightness
would be added to my lot if you would
only entrust me with their education!"
II had no idea that you had any gift
that way"
''I think I have. At any rate I
know that it would make me very
happy if you would send me Bob and
Meg for few hours three mornings a
week"
Mr.. Champley frowns and looks un-
comfortable.
IL really could not dream of so far
troubling you, Miss Widen" he says,
with decided head-shake. Teaching
is very irksome work, unless to the in
itiated, and do not wish my children
to become burden on my friends"
-1Oh. NONSENSE" cries Ruby, with
playful smile Don't l tell you that
I should enjoy having them?" Rails
ing her voice little she calls her
mother to her aid. Mamma, am
trying to induce Mr. Champley to let
me teach Bob and Meg. Don't you
think it would really do me good to
have some regular occupations"
"Of course it would, my DEAR" ac-
quiesces Mrs. Widen cheerfully-"only
am not quite sure you know much to
teach them"
''You see, mamma thinks me in
competent" says Ruby. smiling-"per-
haps you object to my plan for the
same reason?"
ooh, dear no." laughs Robert
Champley. 81 have no doubt whatever
Of your ability; but"
I'm that case shan't listen to your
~buts,'" says Ruby archly, as she rises
from her seat and crosses over to the
piano, land I shall consider the mat
ter settled. Next Monday shall ex-
meet the dear children at ten o'clock
precisely"
Then, without allowing time for any
objection, she takes the seat which
Shell has just vacated, and breaks into
a brilliant arrangement Of lively
Scotch airs.
ROBERT Champley makes one more
effort to free himself from an obliga-
ton which is so exceedingly distaste-
1ul: but his not very clear reasons are
quickly overruled by Ruby and her
mother, so that he leaves the Wilder.
ness that evening with cloud on his
usually placid brow.
II wish that woman had more tact, u
he confides gloomily to Ted as, hav-
ing donned light overcoats and lighted
their cigars. they wend their way down
the short drive.
Which woman!" queries Ted, in q
roic0 OF indifferent wonder.