The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1906-08-29
THE EIGHTH
GIRL
By BELLE MANDATES
rooo n ~ no.k-.onk
Copyright, 1908. by P. C. Eastment

Copyright, 1908, by P. c. Eastment
When John Walker was left wild
over, although he was In the prime Of
manhood, with a comfortable income
and good habits, 1t was universally
predicted that he could never win q
second wife.
For what manner Of woman-that Is,
of the type fastidious John Walker
would fancy = could contemplate the
prospect of stepmothering seven daugh-
tiers ranging In age from pert thirteen
to precocious four?
If the children had been boys, John
Walkers prospects would have been
more favorable, for a 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 departI ("
John Walker was domestic, and after
two years of widowerhood he began to
yearn for a 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
q month each spring and autumn sew
ing up" for the young Walkers. contln-
ued her visits, with the added respon-
sibility of selecting and purchasing
material.
The eldest girl, Madge, was promis-
ing to be quite a 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 a general air of careful consider
alton and weighing in the balance"
His intentions were regarded as I'M
mistakable when he invited her, with
her mother, to visit his home and drink
tea one afternoon. The children on this
fateful day had never been so noisy OF
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
II 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 q 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
slumbers by so much as a word.
IF she only could have seen them as
they are noww he thought, with a re-
gretful sigh.
Madge's busy little brain worked
overtime that night on the solution 0f
the stepmother problem. A day or
two after the eYentful visit Of Miss
Cecilia Rayne. as John Walker was
passing a little park, he met two or
three kindergarten teachers walking
with their young charges. He gave
them but q casual glance, when his
attention was attracted by a delighted
cry of "Papaw
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. az 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 it is" he replied prompt
~, 'only I hadn't thought Of it before.
am glad Madge is so wise"
"I've learned lots, papa. I'm going
to prick you a card" assured Tot.
'Thank you, darling. Where Is your
school, Miss
"Worden," she said, supplying the
name. 1.-The school is 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 a whim-
BicaI smile.
She flushed and laughed little.
"Come and visit our school some
time, then"
81 will walk there with you now"
he responded promptly. setting Tot
down on the sidewalk.
The child instantly appropriated
hand Of each guardian and skipped
along between them.
"Who takes her to and from school7'
he asked, remembering the automobiles
and trolley cars.
"Madge has 80 far"
"Madge said you could stop for me
moons on your way home to luncheon"
said the little girl
why, yes, so can. How did Madge
know Of your school, Miss WordenT'
"Oh, Madge and I are old friends,
give music lessons afternoons, and her
lnseparable companion, Grace Landon,
is one Of my pupils" q
81 wish you would give Madge les
sons too. Her teacher left the city
some time ago, and have neglected to
have her start again"
II should be glad to teach her," said
the girl simply. .....#
Every well. You may commence to-
morrow, II agreeable, and give her two
lessons q week" .