The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1906-06-07
THE EIGHTH
GI RI
By BELLE MANDATES
Copyright, 1906, by p. c. Eastment

When John Walker was left a wild
over. although he was in the prime of
manhood, with a comfortable income
and good habits, it was universally
predicted that he could never win a
second wife,
For what manner of woman-that is.
of tha type fastidious John Walker
would fancy = could contemplate the
prospee 9sf stepmothering seven daugh-
ters ranging in age from pert thirteen
to precocous four?
If the children had been boys, John
Walkers prospects would have been
more favorable, for a squad of boys
can be turned afeld, but seven girls
to hear and heed until they should
come to an age when they would with
their lords depart!
John Walker was domestic, and after
two years of widowerhood he began to
yearn for goddess of his hearth and
home. The affairs of his household
had not been administered so badly
since his wife died. The cook was ca
pable and honest and had been reign
ing over the Kitchen for eight years.
The seamstress, who had always spent
month each spring and autumn sew
ing up" for the young Walkers, contin-
ued her visits, with the added respon-
sibility of selecting and purchasing
material
The eldest girl, Madge, was promis-
ing to be quite practical little house
keeper, but John Walker knew that a
wise feminine hand and heart We're es-
sential to the guidance of his active.
romping, unruly troop of youngsters.
He began to call assiduously upon
Cecilia Rayne, young woman re-
nowned for her intellect, practically
and excellent judgment. She accepted
his attentions. though reservedly, and
with a general air of careful consider
alton and weighing in the balance"
His intentions We're regarded as un-
mistakable when lie invited her, with
her mother, to visit his home and drink
tea one afternoon. The children Oh this
Hateful day had never been so noisy or
unattractive Even Madge was bois-
ferrous and untidy.
John Walker did not know that it
was malice aforethought ON the part
of his offspring. AIadge was preco-
cious and acute cared. She had heard
it said that John Walker would marry
just as soon as he could find any one
to have him. She had sized up Miss
Rayne as a home ruler, and in the
mother of Miss Rayne she scented
natural enemy.
So she instigated and encouraged re-
bellion in her many sisters, and their
department carried the day. John
Walker escorted his guests to their
home and returned with the firm in
tention of administering unto his own
something stronger than rebuke
He found his flock white robed and
sweet voiced, awaiting with uplifted
mouths his good night caress, and he
could not bring himself to mar their
SAUNDERS by so much as word.
IF she only could have seen them as
they are now!" he thought, with a re-
gretful sigh.
Madge's busy little brain worked
overtime that night on the solution of
the stepmother problem. A day or
two after the eventful visit of Miss
Cecilia Rayne, as John Walker was
passing little park, he met two or
three kindergarten teachers walking
with their young charges. He gave
them but casual glance, when his
attention was attracted by delighted
cry of "Papa!'
The littlest and last child in the pro-
cession let go of the hand of the young
girl with whom she was walking and
rushed up to him.
"Why, Tot" he said, taking her up
in his arms.
Then he looked hesitatingly at the
young teacher, who was walking on
slowly.
"You must be Mr.. Walker" she said
naively II am Tots kindergarten
teacher"
Are you?" he asked interestedly. 81
didn't know that Tot attended kim
dergarten."
Didn't you?" she asked anxiously.
''Madge brought her to school yester-
day and entered her as pupil. sup
posed it was your wish"
"Of course it isl he replied prompt
ly, only l hadn't thought of it before.
u am glad Madge is so wise"
'I've learned lots. papa. I'm going
ito prick you card,' assured Tot.
"Thank you, darling. Where is your
school, Miss
"Worden," she said, supplying the
name. 1.-The school is OH the corner Of
Wood and Third streets, three blocks
below. Are you fond of children, Mr..
Walker" she asked, looking up at the
princess enthroned OH his shoulder.
Naturally" he said. with a whim-
lSical smile.
She flushed and laughed little
Come and visit our school some
time. then"
II will walk there with you now"
he responded promptly. setting Tot
down on the sidewalk.
The child instantly appropriated d
hand of each guardian and skipped
along between them.
"Who takes her to and from schooI?'