Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1906-06-03
THE EIGHTH
CT RI
BY BELLE MANDATES
Copyright. l9d. by L. c. Eastment

III
t==-
When John Walker was left Il wild
over, although lie WIS IN the prime of
manhood, with Il comfortable Income
and good habits, 1t was universally
predicted that he could never win IL
second wife.
For what manner of wulnan--that is.
OF the type fastidious John Walker
would fancy could contemplate the
prospect of stepnlotllering seven daugh-
tiers ranging in age from pert thirteen
TO precocious fourI
If the children had been boys, John
Walkers prospects would have been
more favorable, for II squad OF boys
can be turned aiield, but seven girls
to hear un,l heed until they should
come To an age when they would with
their lords depart.
John Walker was domestic, and after
two years of wiuwrrl,oud he began to
ycnrn for II 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
linhlc and honest and had been reign
ing over the Kitchen for eight years.
! The st'amStress, who had always spent
/ Il mouth each spring and autumn Sew
! Ing up" for tile Young Walkers. contin-
/ ileil her Visits. with the added rcspon-
i sibility of selecting aud purchasing
| material =
The eldest girl Madge, was proms-
Ing 10 he quite Il practical little house
I keeper, but John Walker knew that Il
wise feminine hand and heart were es-
sential TO tile guidance of his active,
romping. unruly troop Of youngsters.
He began To call assiduously upon
Cecilia ltaync, II young woman re-
! nOwnrrl for her intellect. practicul!ty
and excellent Judgment She accepted
his attentions. though rcscrvcdly. and
With II grncral air of careful consider.
alton and ''wclgliing In the balance"
Ills Intentions were regarded us I'M
mistaknhlc when lie invited her, with
| her mother. 10 visit his home and drink
tea one afternoon The children on this
futcful day had never been so noisy or
unnttractivr. Even Madge was bois-
ferrous and unidy
John Walker did not know that 1t
WAS malice aforethouglt on the part
| of his offspring. Aladgc was preco-
cious and acute cared. She had heard
| it said that John Walker would marry
| just rs soon as he could find any one
| TO have him. She had sized UP Miss
Rayne as IL home ruler, and In tue
mother Of Miss l,aync she scented Il
| natural enemy.
SO she instigated and encouraged re-
bcllon in her many sisters, und their
department carried the day. John
| Walker escorted his guests to their
home and returned with the firm in
tcntion of administering unto his own
something stronger than rcbuke.
He found his flock white robed and
sweet voiced. awaiting with uplifted
mouths his good night caress, and lie
could not bring himself to mar their
slumhers by 50 much us word
III she only could have seen them as
they are now" he thought. with IL re-
gretful sigh.
Madges busy little brain worked
overtime that night Oh the solution OF
the stepmothcr problem y day VI
| two after the cvcntiul visit OF Miss
! Cecilia Ruync. as John Walker was
passing little park. liz met two or
| three kindergarten teachers walking
| with their young charges. lie gave
them but a casual glance, when his
| attention WAS attracted by delighted
cry OF "rapa.
Tie littiest and last child In tie pro-
| ccssion let 70 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.
| 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. ~
| didn't know that. Tot attended n kin
| dergartcn."
Didn't you?" she asked nnxiously
"AIatlse brought her to school yestcr-
day and entered her rs Il pupil. sup
| posed ii was your wish"
"Of course II is," lie replied prompt
| ~. only l hadn't thought Of it before.
am glad AlndSc is SO wise
I've learned lots, papa. Pm going
to prick you a card" assured Tot.
Thank you, darling. Where is your
school, Miss"
"Wordcn," she said, supplying the
name. "rhc school is on the corner of
Wood and Third streets, three blocks
below. Are you fond OF children, Mr..
Walkcr?" she asked, looking UP ut the
princess enthroned oil his shoulder.
Naturally" he said, with Il within.