Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1906-07-06

THE EIGHTH
GIRL
BY BELLE MANDATES
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Copyright, 1904 by P. o. Eastment

When John'Walker was left Wild
over, although he was In the prime Of
manhood, with comfortable income
and good habits, II was universally
predicted that he could never win q
second wife. Kiss Ms
For what manner Of woman---that 10,
of the type, fastldious John Walker
would fancy - could contemplate the
prospect Of stepmothering seven daugh-
tiers ranging In age from pert thirteen
to precocious fourf
II the children had been boys. John
Walkers prospects would have been
more favorable, for squad Of boys
can be turned afield, 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
a 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 were es-
sential to the guidance Of his active.
romping, unruly troop Of youngsters.
He began to call assiduously upon
Cecilia Rayne, a young woman re-
nowned for her intellect, practically
and excellent Judgment. She accepted
his attentions, though reservedly, and
with u general air Of careful consider
alton and "weighing In tho balance"
His intentions were regarded as I'M
mistakable when he invited her, with
her mother, to visit his home and drink
ten one afternoon. The children on this
fateful day had never been so noisy or
unattractive. Even Madge was bois-
ferrous and untidy.
John Walker did not know that 1t
was malice aforethought on the part
of his offspring. Madge was preco-
cious and acute cared. She had heard
1t said that John Walker would marry
lust as soon as he could find any one
to have him. She had sized up Miss
Rayne as home ruler, and In the
mother of Miss Rayne she scented a
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 Arm In
tention OF administering unto his o.
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
slumbers by so much as word.
"If she only could have seen them az
they are now! he thought, with re.
gretful sigh.
Madge's busy little brain worked
overtime that night on the solution OF
lut piobiCh' A NtAJ -
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 your" he asked interestedly. II
didn't know that Tot attended a kin
dergarten."
"Didn't your she asked anxiously.
"Madge brought her to school yester-
day and entered her as pupil. / sup
posed 1t was your wish"
"Of course 1t is," he replied prompt
ly, "only hadn't thought Of 1t before.
/ am glad Madge is 30 wise"
"Pve learned lots. papa. I'm going
to prick you card" assured Tot
THANK you. darling Where is your
school. Miss
"Worden." she said, supplying the
name "The school IL on 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 on his shoulder.
Naturally" he said, with within.
steal smile.
She flushed and laughed q 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 a
hand of each guardian and skipped
along between them.
"Who takes her to and from schoolr'
he asked, remembering the automobiles
and trolley cars.
"Madge has 80 faA"