Holbrook argus., 1911-12-26

 ROSdn1u7d

Uncle Roberts heart reproached him. Possibly he was too selfcen- tered and selfish. Perhaps he never did think to do nice things for other people Maybe he could make the world happier if he reformed. So he invited Rosamund, his s-year-old ! niece, to spend long. beautiful day with him out at his golf club.
 e knew he should not have his usual happy, carefree game. The re- sponsibility of child would distract him and possibly she would tear her dress or get hungry at inopportune times, but he resolved to sacrifice himself All this would he do so that he might carelessly mention his benevolent deed that evening when he was to take tea with Miss Miller.
 He hoped Miss Miller would he overcome properly with contrition and feel she had misjudged him cruelty on one or two previous occasions when she had let drop comments on his disregard for others. Perhaps she would wake up to the fact that she was letting a golden opportunity slip in not grabbing him.
 Not that Uncle Robert put this bald fact into so many words. He told his sister over the telephone that he would really enjoy taking care of Rosamund, and he wished to get bet. ter acquainted with her and let the child realize that she had an uncle who was an uncle.
 Tt is very kind of you," his sister said in surprise. Are you quite sure you want to bother with her? She is such an active child,"
 Rosamund betrayed no surprise at Uncle Roberts flattering attentions, but appeared to take them as a mat ter of course.
 "Goody, Goody!" she chortled, as she skipped along to the train with her escort. An kin I play golf, too?"
 Well, am afraid you wouldn't en- Joy it." said Uncle Robert, diplomat ically. You see there are no sticks your size. You can find some other little girl and play with her and fol- low me around"
 There proved to be two other little girls among those present and he in troduced Rosamund to them with sun dry cautions and advice. Not being used to children, Uncle Robert fondly supposed they lent a respectful and studious ear to the remarks of their elders and modelled their conduct on their precepts.
 He had his first jolt just as he was negotiating hard putt on the third green. AS he swung horrid shrieks rent the air and he shot the ball three feet wide of the mark. Everybody Jumped and began looking for the murder. Back at the water hazard two small girls danced wildly on the bank-and Uncle Robert ran Some body else had fished Rosamund out when he arrived, scarlet and appalled,. It was muddy hazard and Rosamund presented a sad appearance. "Hush!" ordered her distracted un. cle. ''I don't understand-didn't ex- pressly tell you to stay away from the brook?"
 
 sobbing niece. He jumped and so did I! It was his fault" Uncle Roberts partners said grim. ly that they didn't mind waiting, sc he conducted Rosamund back to the clubhouse. and the stewards wife un. dertook to dry her out and make her respectable, meanwhile putting her to bed, where she would be rendered harmless
 The delayed game went on to the end and chastened Rosamund. slight ly grimy as to pink gown, joined him at luncheon, where she only tipped over her milk and the vinegar and | dropped a chop on the floor.
 He set her to picking wild flowers that afternoon, but when he came in from the course he found her in a cor ner of the porch with an oddly swol. len face.
 She got into the marsh where the mosquitoes are," said the stewards wife. And besides I'm afraid she picked some poison ivy!"
 With a sigh Uncle Robert hast. eped to put himself to rights before the golf special at o'clock for town. T am going to take shower bath" he told his niece. "and dress. Then we'll go home"
 Five minutes before the bus left for the train Uncle Robert, immaculate and fresh as befitted gentleman about to go to tea at Miss Miller's ! stepped out on the porch. There was no swollen-faced. muddy little niece visible. Though a large person, Uncle Robert can hasten on occasion and this was one. He dashed at high speed through the clubhouse. wailing distractedly, "Rosamundi Rosamund,"
 The first bus rattled off. Other peo- pie took up the search. A regular mob tore about yelling "Rosamund,"