The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1910-11-08
Choosing a Stepmother
By GERALD PRIME.
Copyright. 1910. by Associated Literary pres.


It as they sat on the boathouse We
randa after dinner
And I've been fishing every day
for week ard haven't caught a
thing" she added SO pathetically
that. all unseen In the dark. Bob
kicked his fathers foot to call his
attention to It,
Don't you get any bites?" asked
the artist ingenuously.
Il hardly know. Sometimes l have
fancied that | was getting a queer
little nibble, don't you know. but
nothing comes Of It,"
Remember the advice Of the I'M
mortal Sir Isaak-'Persevere and
keep on persevering. counseled
/ Bob wickedly.
Perhaps l will follow Sir Izaak's
advice" she said, rising. In the
meantime l am going to play lot OF
Schumann for your father accord
Ing to my promise OF this morning
He's the only person in the camp
whose musical taste scars above rag
time"
Il don't mind Schumann at all
when-when I'm In good health"
Bob protested.
For an entire week the subject
which had been brought to such
sudden interruption by the pickerel
was not resumed Hope Terriss was
the life Of the camp. and even old
Mrs. Vechton, who had ceased long
ago to speak in unqualified praise Of
anybody or anything on the foot
stool. was greatly taken with her,
and admitted 1t openly.
That girl is of the right sort"
she declared. She's got more man
the rest OF US combined. She's the
real thing. Don't you agree with me.
Mr.. Hunter?"
And Bob-who CHANGED TO be the
Mr.. Hunter addressed, his father and
Hope having gone for a stroll into
the village-had the effrontery TO
reply languidly:
Miss Terriss-oh. yes, quite so-a
trifle youngish. don't you think
Excellent society for father
Young jackanapesi" the old wom-
an muttered as Bob disappeared
around the end of the veranda. Hes
completely gone on the girl Pity he
hasn't some of his fathers good looks
and attractive manner"
That night as they fingered on the
boat house veranda after the others
had retired the artist and his son
were discussing the latters business
prospects.
ITO hear you talk. DAN the young
man laughed between vigorous draws
OF his pipe, which was not behaving
its best, "one who did not know you
might think that you were contem-
plating something serious"
For instance, Bob"
We'll. providing me with brand
new stepmother."
Better stop that business. Bob,
counseled his father seriously. "Sug-
gestion plays strange tricks now and
then
Then | wish suggestion would
get busy. Only let me choose her
and everything will be we'll
On the morning OF the day appoint
ed for the breaking up OF the camp
3 Bob and Miss Terriss were in earnest
conversation In a secluded corner OF
the veranda-
= It's come to a climax, croaked
:, Mrs Vechton to herself and to any
one else who happened TO be within
: hearing.
DO you recognize this hand,'
Hope asked serenely. holding an en-
;. velope before Bob's eyes.
Il ought to- he returned prompt
ly. Dad must have helped himsel
to my stationery"
:, 1T contains a proposition TO be
:, come your stepmother. she con
!, tinued, without looking at him ant
. entirely without embarrassment
;. Noble old DAM" he cried raptur
ously. He's the salt of the earth.
y What would you advise me Il
do?
Accept unconditionally."
= Il shall impose one condition" sh
said with flush that made he
charming. You are to leave OF cal
ing him Dan 1t isn't respectful"
AS an earnest of his intention I
- comply with her terms he kissed hel
- What did | tell you9" demande
= Mrs. Vechton, who accepted what sh
!. saw as confirmation of her wi.
- dom In such matters.