The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1900-01-19

i
fully accomplished that intricate feat
she ignores the fact even that she has
been spoken to; then, turning upon
him with keen eyes, which look almost
piercingly dark in the lamp-light, she
says quietly
II beg your pardon"
Ted Champley feels taken back; his
remark-which savors in his own mind
slightly of the sentimental, and indeed
was made in somewhat sentimental
tone-cannot be repeated in face OF
that stolid air of Indifference on Shells
part; so he changes his former CONVEX
sation for another.
You seem to have become wonder
fully industrious since saw you last"
he says, glancing anything but admir-
ingly at the pretty garland of flowers
that is growing under her white fin
gers.
Yes; am very fond of work. When
you saw me last was a child; and
children are go stupid-they never
think of anything but play" returns
Shell scornfully, pursuing her occupa-
ton as though her living depended up
on it.
Upon my word" laughs Ted, eft is
my belief that a good many children
are wiser than their elders-so obser-
want, you know, and all that kind of
| thing. l really don't think you would
class all children together again as be-
ing Stupid if you only knew those
little kids of Roberts; they are awful
little sharpers"
Il suppose their father takes quite
an interest in them?" remarks Shell
in a bored tone.
Her companion stares at her for
some moments in amazement, then
breaks into rather hooking laugh.
well, yes-Robert does take a de-
cided interest in Bob and Meg. Seeing
that they are his own children, per-
haps it is not to be wondered at"
mo, of course-that would account
for it, responds Shell quietly, and ig-
noring the ring of sarcasm in Ted's
voice.
II don't see how any one could help
liking them-poor little beggars!" con-
tinues the young man bluntly, and in
| a voice that speaks volumes Of wonder
at his companions heartlessness.
| Shell breaks into rather an affected
little laugh.
Dear me- she says wonderingly-
'have shocked you? Ii so, you must
please forgive me; for don't like chill
| dren."
Ted makes no remark for few mo-
ments, but sits watching her with keen
scrutinizing eyes, expecting every in
slant that some relenting dimple
round her lips would belle her words;
but no-Shell works on in serene I'M
consciousness, with her well-poised
head little on one side, and all her
attention apparently fixed upon her
work.
lis there anything under the sun that
you do like?" asks Ted at last, in a
tone of desperation.
"Oh, yes, several things answers
Shell briskly. Let me see'-refiec-
tively-"I like work, and reading, and
I am awfully fond of gooseberry-tart.'
Ted bursts into such hearty peal
of laughter that Ruby-who is engaged
in singing a trio with vi and Robert
Champley-give utterance to a false
note. She'll after futile effort to con-
troll her trembling lips, joins in his
merriment.
"No; but, seriously" he says, when
| hoS hot
must have, know, few artistic
tastes. remember you used to play
some very jolly pieces, so you must be
fond of music"
Shell shakes her head in a despon-
dent manner.
NO" she answers carelessly, 81 have
no talent for anything in particular
OF course play little and sketch a
little; but I do nothing we'll enough
for it to be pleasing to anybody out
4 myself"
L How do you know that il you never
i give your friends the chance of judg.
ing?" asks Ted, still trying to strike
some spark Of emotion out of this
stolid maiden.
"Oh, they are quite at liberty tC
judge for themselves if they like, only
nobody wants to hear me play twice!'
answers Shell, in a tone Of friendly
warning.
will you let me hear you play
once?" asks Ted eagerly.
ooh, certainly, il you wish; onl,
won't it be rather cruel infection fol
everybody else?" says Shell naively.
"No, am sure it won't" answers hel
companion, in voice of such uttel
confidence that Fuckers of amusement
gather around Shells lips after tn
most wicked fashion.
Great is Ruby's CONSERVATION ant
annoyance when she leaves the piano
to see Shell down on her knees besid.
the music-stand, turning over the loos,
music in the drawer.
"Surely you are not going to play!'
she exclaims, in tone of mingled dis
approval and annoyance, for Ruby
music is her one strong point, and sh'
hates to be cast into the shade by he
younger sister. AS rule, Shell is won
to hide her light under bushel, ant