The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1900-01-11

ant one for the brothers, whilst Mrs
Widen backs them both up, as far as
her natural want of energy will allow.
DO you remember those jolly times
We used to have out blackberrying. and
what particularly delicious blackberry
jam your cook used to make?" asks the
younger brother, taking a seat beside
Shell toward the end of the evening.
Edward Champley is a true English
man, and, although three times already
he has abandoned that seat in despair,
he is still unwilling to acknowledge
himself beaten.
She does not reply for a moment;
she is in the act of picking out knot
in the silk she is using, and till she has
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
Il 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, giancing anything but admir-
ingly at the pretty garland of flowers
that is growing under her white fin
gers.
Eyes; am very fond of work. When
you saw me last l was child; and
children are so stupid-they never
think of anything but play returns
Shell scornfully, pursuing her occupa-
ton as though her living depended up
on 1t. q.
Upon my word" laughs Ted. sit is
my belief that good many children
are wiser than their elders-so obsar-
want, you know, and all that kind of
thing. | 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"
i suppose their father takes quite
an interest in them" remarks Shell
in 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.
i don't see how any one could help
liking them-poor little beggars.' con-
tinues the young man bluntly, and in
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? If so, you must
please forgive me; for don't like chill
dren."
Ted makes no remark for a 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 un-
consciousness, with her well-poised
head little on one side, and all her
attention apparently fixed upon her
work
is 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"-refec-
tively-"I like work, and reading. and
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. Shell, after futile effort 10 coz
troll her trembling lips, joins in his
merriment.
NO; but, seriously" he says, when
they have both done laughing, you
must have, | know, a few artistic
tastes. | remember you used to play
some very jolly pieces, so you must be
fond of music"
Shell shakes her head in despon-
dent manner.
NO" she answers carelessly, az have
no talent for anything in particular.
OF course play little and sketch a
little; but | do nothing well enough
for it to be pleasing to anybody but
myself"
How do you know that IL you never
give your friends the chance of judg-
ing?' asks Ted, still trying to strike