Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-05-18

she is. l have no idea"
III put one at her place, and if she
doesn't need it l can take it away"
Bates spent the time till the arrival
of his ward walking through the rooms
prepared for her or trying to read the
evening paper. constantly smiling in
spite of himself at the prospect of hav-
ing Il child in the house. Suddenly he
heard Il carriage drive up and stop be-
fore the house. Springing to the front
door, he opened ii Just as 4 girl appar-
emily about eighteen years of age
mounted the steps. She stood looking
at him, he ut her.
Il suppose you are the gOverness?"
said Bates.
The goyerncss?"
"Have you got the child in the car
riage?"
What chiId?"
1.-THE little Sinclair girl"
81 am Lillian Sinclair
"What?''
"Are you Mr.. Bates?"
Il am, and am expecting my ward,
the little daughter of my boyhood
friend. Timothy Sinclair l supposed
of course some one would bring her to
me, and as you have arrived when she
is expected / naturally But don't
stand here. Come into the house"
"Why, Mr.. Bates" said the girl after
they were inside. did you suppose
your ward to be childT'
Because the letter notifying me of
the charge quoted the words of Mr..
Sinclair referring to her as a child"
did you understand when those
words were written:'
No"
THE Will by which my father com
mittcd me 10 your care was made
twelve years ago. when 1 was six years
old"
Bates stood in that dazed condition
usual with one whose expectations
have been suddenly shifted.
And you, young lady, are my
ward"
Il am if YOU are Mr.. Arnold Bates"
"H'mph." This was spoken aloud.
but there was more that he thought
What the dickens am l going II do
with herr"
The young lady was also evidently
put out. Il supposed you were an old
man." she said in disappointed tone.
Il am, in the eyes of people of your
age: I'm thirty-six. Well. come in to
dinner. Wen talk it over"
He ushered her into the dining room.
The girl took off her wraps. and Bates
in his confusion. without noticing what
he was doing. pointed TO the high
chair.
rrfpI fv4
Take that thing away he said 10
a servant.
The chair was removed and replaced
by one fitted for Il grown person.
There was n very pleasant dinner.
The hOusekeeper occupied a position
at the table. and when the coffee was
served Mr. Bates said TO her:
Mrs. Winfield, do you suppose you'll
do for a chaperon for this young
LADY,"
Certainly. I'm old enough to be
her mother, and yours too, for that
matter"
Very we'll. She'll remain with US.
! would suggest your making some
changes in her apartments more be
fitting her age. Never mind: I'll 60 II
myself" And, rising. he hurried up
stairs.
Lillian Sinclair heard something
drop in the hall. Going out there.
large wax doll lay on its back staring
at the ceiling. y dolls baby carriage
came next. then a box Of baby dishes.
In few minutes there was heap in
the hall, and Bates shouted over the
banister 10 a servant 10 remove the
rubbish" After n while he came down
and informed his ward that her room
was ready for her.
Never did guardian give more time
and attention 10 Il ward. Bates de-
serted his club TO supervise the finish
ing Of Miss Sinclairs education. and in
year after she came to live at his
house announced 10 her that he was
looking for n husband for her. Size
declined all the candidates he brought
forward. and when he was discourag-
ed at having failed TO please her he
consulted Mrs. Winfield.
ia. sir" said the housekeeper-
She'll never marry any one but YOU"
One week from that time the guard
fan and ward were engaged. and even
tually the room originally designed for
the lady's play room was used for the
purpose by her daughter.
JAMES CARTER SCOTT.