The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1908-01-17
,dea of taking that book away from

QCa OI llNlllS lIlslL OOOh away
mel"
well, you know, Ella, dear, it is not
quite 81 book for young girls; but hush
Il hear Miss Newton's voice. Do go
on praCticing."
The door opened. and a tall graceful
girl entered. She looked much younger
than her real age as Ella looked older.
n no one would have guessed her
to be more than % or "a. She looked
very pale, and there We're tears in her
eyes and a CULVER in her voice as she
addressed the goNerness.
Miss Reade. I have just had a tele-
gram to tell me that my aunt has had
Z paralyttc stroke. My sister and I
Will you kindly take charge here? 1
will give you all directions if you will
come up to my room. Ella, o will
explain to father, dear, n be kind to
the little ones"
All was hustle and confusion for the
x two hours and then the sisters
drove off to catch their train from the
function.
Its too annoying" cried Major
Leigh. when he arrived later in the aft
ella, lager to tell him the news. Just
exactly my luck. Why couldn't their
aunt take i'll at some other time? What
pm earth shall I do? Write and put
them off, [ suppose"
Put who of: Have you asked any
body down." asked Ella, who was ac-
customed to her parents incoherent
style of conversation.
II met two friends in town today
explained her father. whom 7 haven't
seen for six or seven years, ana I asked
them down for some shooting. I sup
pose I must put them Off"
No need for that" answered Ella,
with a toss Of her head. There are
plenty of good and Miss Tteade
IAN order dinner and chaperon me.
Who are our friends, father / sup
pose they are quite DID,
They don't hin so,' said the major
With a grin, though no doubt you will.
They are some years younger than NV
self, both on the sunny side of 40 40. It's
too bad of the girls went on the major
tbsently. and half forgetting his audi
tor. Il always thought there was some
thing between Dot and Ashby. and it
would DO very well now that he has
come into his uncle's property. And
Gourtenay's always talking about his
deal woman. I wonder what he'd think
pr Laura. Run away. Ella; L wasn't
talking to you. Go and tell Miss Reade
[ want her"
Miss Reads was a weak ard foolish
woman, who, being incapable of exer-
Using n control over her strons
Silled pupil. managed her by means of
gross flattery and unlimited Indulgence.
She wa writing in her room when Ella
pan in to tell her of the expected Wis
Tors. va
And I shall have them all to N.Y.
elf," cried the girl. e%xultantly; with
10 sisters to keep me In the back
ground; no hateful Laura to look ma
testically at me If I venture to speak:
20 detestable Theo to snub me. look
suite grown up, don't L, Miss Reade?'
You are grown up. dear" replied the
judicious ,governess. You look quite
70. And II is a m~arriageable age. YOU
know. Wouldn't 1t be fun to steal a
march on your sisters, and get mar
tied to one of these gentlemen?"
Wouldn't it. And the point is. Miss
6eade, that I believe father asked these
men down to meet Laura and Theodore
Il won't call her Dot, so absurd to
Keep up baby names when she is SC
old. l mean to ave some fun with
.hese men. Wouldn't it be jolly if j
we're to marry one?'
1t would. indeed" Miss Reade as.
sented.
TT is a distinc. leading of providence
that the sisters are away laughed
Ella. IF they were at home 1 shouldn't
have a chance. i should be kept in the
Background; and besides Laura is
handsome, and Theo really lovely"
But you have the charm Of youth
aid your artless ways are more win.