Los Angeles herald., 1906-09-09

~ oRDoN HELNfE, NJ. A., ETC., slipped
kR into his study feeling thankful that
- he had seen the probable last fussy
EEt parent of the opening day Of that
particular school term.
southside, now in its third year, was goinr
stronger than ever. The Smith twins, whom he
had first left with Mrs. Hiolson, his indispen
sable matron having a minute previously said
sincere "Good-byel" to their ample mother
brought the school numbers up to forty-four
Mrs Smith had bored him much about sterilized
milk and what to do when Ernest--the smaller
twn-had sore throat. But he had been very
grave with the good lady all the same, and
Mrs Hickson, invaluable soul, had aided and
abetted him in smoothing the wrinkles of anx.
iety on her motherly brow.
Forty-four little urchins at ninety.nine guin-
eas per annum apiece meant prosperity
Well, that was all right. Gordon Helme
didn't complain of his success What he did
often complain about to himself was his incom-
pleteness as proprietor Of this already success
full preparatory school in one of the most beau
tiful and healthy parts of England. Some of
the parents also were half inclined to complain;
ht least they passed hints
They were surprised that he was satisfied to
leave the domestic part of his establishment to
Hickson was an archdeacons widow, of course,
stood for something to most of them. But a
wife of his very own would surely be better
stilh
Gordon Helme at thirty was quite boy enough
to retort in his mind with 'ERather, indeed!'
to any such suggestions.
There was this besides to remember. Mrs.
Hickson had of late managed to acquire weak
heart, and now, at the beginning of the new
term, had confded to him that she feared she
would have to give up work at Southside. She
would set things going for the new term, at
any rate. But another term was, candidly, a
little more than she could at present contem-
plate.
Gordon Helme sat down to his writing-table
and did unusual thing for him. He antici-
pated trouble that might never come
Taking up the portrait of charming young
lady which stood with tell-tale prominence by
his papers, he shook his head at it,
"Too bad of you, Peggy, much too badl" he
murmured. After all your promises! And
not even to send me line of definite yes or
no. Oh come inl"
1t was Barrett, the head boy of the forty
four, an egregious young genius in his last term.
Sorry to interrupt sir, but some Of the fel-
lows are bothering asking what new books are
in the library" said young Barrett"
There is nothing new yet, Barrett I've for
gotten them
ooh, thank you, sr!"
Barrett withdrew, as if in doubt whether to
pity or blame his pedagogue for the omission
And again Gordon Helme nodded at the girl
Of the photograph.
"That would be just your line, Peggy You'd
be worth Corfeld, Baynes and hampton put to-
gether, and Mrs Hickson thrown in, though
oughtn't to depreciate my precious Mrs Hick
son, Heaven knowsl"
Corfeld, Baynes and hampton were the resi-
dent assistant masters. Capital and clever men,
of course, but even younger than himself. with
quite enough to do without undertaking. the
management of the youngsters library, unless
expressly asked
Another tap. Mrs. Hckson herself this time