Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1911-07-07
By BELLE MANlATE9.

| lOCUS OcpdTL.
John Walker was domestic. and after
two years of widowhood 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
Z month each spring and autumn
''sewing up" for the young Walkers
continued her visits. with the added
responsibility Of selecting and pur-
chasing material.
The eldest girl. Madge. was promis-
ing to be quite practical little house
keeper. but John Walker knew that Z
wise feminine hand and heart were e.
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 general air Of careful considera-
ton and weighing in the balance"
His intentions were regarded a. un-
mistakable when he invited her. with
her mother, to visit his home and drink
tea one afternoon. The children on this
fatefuI day had never been so noisy or
unattracdve. Even Madge was bois-
ferrous and untidy.
John Walker did not know that It
was malice aforethought on the part
Of his offspring. Madge was preco-
cious and acute cared. She had heard
It said that John Walker would marry
Just as soon a. be 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 firm in
tention Of administering unto his own
something stronger than rebuke.
He found his 6ock 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 q word.
If she only could have seen them as
they are now" he thought. with re-
gretful sigh.
Madge's busy little brain worked
overtime that night on the solution Of
the stepmother problem. A day or
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 bis
attention was attracted by a delighted
cry Of 'Papa!"
The littlest and last child in the pro-
cession let 60 of the hand of the young
girl with whom she was walking and
rushed up to him.
"Why. Totr' he said. taking her up
In his arms.
Then he looked hesitatingiy at the
young teacher. who was walking on
slowly.
"You must be Mr.. Walker" she said
naiyely. II am Tots kindergarten
teacher"
Are you?" he asked interestedly. II
didn't know that Tot attended a kin
dergarten."
didn't you?" 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 l hadn't thought of it before.
I am glad Madge is so WISE"
eve learned lots. papa. I'm going
to prick you card" assured Tot.
THANK you. darling. Where Il 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-
steal smile
She flushed and laughed little.
"Come and visit our school some
time. then"
II will walk there with you now"
be responded promptly. setting Tot
down on the sidewalk.
The child instantly appropriated
hand Of each guardian and skipped
along between them.
"Who tn kes her to and from scho0lr'
be asked. remembering the automo-
biles and trolley cars.
"Madge has 80 far"
! "Aladgp said you could stop for Ne