Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1911-06-22
THE EIGHTH
GIRL
She Made an Interesting Ad-
dition to the Other Seven.
6v BELLE MANDATES.

BY BELLE MANDATES.
When John Walker was left Wld
over. although he was in the prime OF
manhood. with comfortable income
and good habits. it was universe lly
predicted that he would never win &
second wife.
For what manner Of wOman-that IS
Of the type fastidious John Walker
would fancy-could contemplate the
prospect Of stepmothering seven
daughters ranging in age from pert
thirteen to precocious four?
Ii the children had been boys John
Walkers prospects would have been
more favorable. for squad OF boys
can be turned afield, but seven girls to
hear and heed until they should come
to an age when they would with their
lords depart!
John Walker was domestic. and after
two years of widowhood he began to
yearn for a 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
q 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 a
wise feminine hand and heart We're es-
sential to the guidance Of his active.
romping. unruly troop Of youngsters
BE began to call assiduously upon
Cecilia Rayne. young woman Re
nowned for her intellect, practically
and excellent judgment She accepted
his attentions, though reservedly and
With general air Of careful considera-
don and weighing in the balance"
His intentions were regarded as un.
mistakable when he invited her. with
her mother, to visit bis home and drink
tea one afternoon. The children on this
fateful day had never been so noisy or
unattracuve Even Madge was bois-
ferrous and untidy.
John Walker did not know that 1t
vas malice aforetbought on the part
of bis offspring. Madge was preco-
e3ous and acute cared. She had heard
II said that John Walker would marry
tus, as soon as he could find any one
10 have him. She had sized up Miss
Rayne as n home ruler, and in the
mother Of Miss Rayne she scented
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
tenton of administering unto his own
something stronger than rebuke.
He found his flock white robed and
sweet voiced. awaiting with uplifted
mouths his good night caress, and be
could not bring himself to mar their
slumbers by SO much as word.
III 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 his
attention was attracted by delighted
cry of "Papa!'
cession let 80 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
Then he looked hesitatingiy at the
young teacher. who was walking on
slowly.
you must be Mr.. Walker" she said
naively. 81 am Tots kindergarten
teacher"
Are you?' he asked interestedly. Il
didn't know that Tot attended q kim
dergarten."
Didn't you?" she asked anxiously.
''Madge brought her to school yester-
day and entered her as pupil. sup
posed it was your wish"
"Of course it is" he replied prompt
", "only hadn't thought Of it before.
lam glad Madge is so wise"
ave learned lots. papa. I'm going
to prick you card" assured Tot.
"Thank you. darling. Where is 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.