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Show ominous quiver of her lips, hi standing with her hands behind her in front of Ruby, vainly seeking in ber passive little brain for tbe answer to the question "Now, Meg wake up, and tell me, like a good little child, what is three times four. Tree times four-tr- ee times four, so often has tbe Meg drearily repeats same qumtion been put in the same words that it conveys no meaning to her. childish reason. Ruby has a way of scanning the morning news whilst she carries on her monotonous string of questions, so that her face is completely hidden from her poor little victim. "Yes three times four. You will stand there until you tell me, you know very well, persists Ruby in tones of stern reproach. an exceedingly Thla seems sui-dreary prospect to poor Meg that her two little fat fists are thrust suddenly into her eyes, and she breaks into a dismal howl. I say you Miss Wilden you Just Btop bullying our Meg, cries Bob, suddenly turning round on his high perch, from which he cannot descend unaided, and regarding Ruby with angry eyes and a very red face. "You rude little boy, says Ruby, throwing down her paper in surprise, and regarding the young rebel with a haughty stare; "go to your copy at once, or I will put you In the corner! Meg is a naughty, naughty girl, and if she does not tell me at once what three times four is I will make her a dunces cap. Meg throws herself upon the carpet in a paroxysm of fright; the disgrace to her mind sounds so terrible that her howl changes into convulsive sobs, only stopped when Bob shouts at the top of his voice Three times four are twelve, Meg. "Tree times four are twelve, sobs Meg from her crouching position; and then she goes on with her crying more ed CHAPTER III. (Continued.) "Haa their education been commenced? aoks Ruby, with keen anxiety. My sister imagined that she had succeeded in teaching them their alphabet," lauRhs Robert Champley; "but Hob still confounds b and d, whilst Megs learning is limited to an acquaintance with the letter o. "Dreadful! ejaculates Ruby, looking shocked. "No time muBt be lost I think so much depends upon a childs early training and I know that was dear Clara's Idea tod. Was it? questions Mr. Champley eagerly, and with his keen eyes fixed steadily on Ruby, as though she had suddenly turned into an oracle. "In that case I must see about it at once; but I must manage to get someone who 'will make their lessons more than halt; play, for they are neither of them particularly strong, poor children, and I would not have them worried on any account. I dare say if I offer a handsome salary I shall be able to get them a governess who will listen to my wishes on that point. I had better, I think, advertise for some one about twenty, then she will pot be above playing with the children, and she will not have got soured by buffeting with the world. "Oh, Mr. Champley, what an utterly mistaken idea! cries Ruby, In real consternation at this most dangerous What you want is a suggestion. woman of sixty a thorough discipli- narian. responds Mr. "Oh, no, I dont. am not going to hand Champley. "I over my children to a martinet. He speaks with such unusual decision that Ruby begins most heartily to wish she had not broached the subject of edu- cation. But girls are so inexperienced and often so Impatient with children, she falters. "If you are determined to have a young person, would it not be better to engage some one in the neighborhood who could come to them for a few hours a day? "That is a very good idea, as far as answers Mr. Champley reOnly where am I to find flectively. It goes, her? Suddenly a bright thought nay, almost an inspiration strikes Ruby. Looking up at him, with clasped hands and beseeching eyes, she says "Oh, Mr. Champley, if I might only he allowed to teach them, I would with pleasure! "You, Miss Wllden, panion in surprise says her comyou? questions Ruby Why not? quickly. "I was their mothers best friend, and I dote on children. You do not know how much brightness would be added to my lot if you would only entrust me with their education! "I had no idea that you had any gift that way. "I think I have. At any rate I know that it would make me very happy if you would send me Bob and Meg for a few hours three mornings a "Yes. week." Mr. Champley frowns and looks uncomfortable. "I I really could not dream of so far troubling you. Miss Wilden, he says, "Teaching with a decided is very Irksome work, unless to the Initiated, and I do not wish my children to become a burden on my friends. "Oh, nonsense! cries Ruby, with a playful smile. Dont I tell you that head-shak- e. Raisshould enjoy having them? she a her calls voice little ing her mother to her aid. Mamma, I am trying to Induce Mr. Champley to let me teach Bob and Meg. Dont you think it would really do me good to have some regular occupation? Of course It would, my dear, acquiesces Mrs. Wilden cheerfully "only I am not quite sure you know much to teac them. ou see, mamma thinks me incompetent, says Ruby, smiling "perhaps you object to my plan for the same reason? laughs Robert "Oh, dear no! Champley. "I have no doubt whatever " of your ability; but "In that case 1 shant listen to your 'huts,1 says Ruby archly, as she rises from her seat and crosses over to the matplans, "and I shall consider the exter settled Next Monday I shall pect the dear children at ten o'clock precisely. Then, without allowing time for any objection, she takes tbe seat which Shell has Just vacated, and breaks into a brilliant arrangement of lively Scotch airs. Robert Champley makes one more effort to free himself from an obligation which is so exceedingly distaste I ful; but bis not very clear reasons are quickly overruled by Ruby and her mother, so that he leaves the Wilderness that evening with a cloud on his usually placid brow. I wish that woman had more tact, he confides gloomily to Ted as, hav- ing donned light overcoats and lighted their cigarB, they wend their way down the short drive. "Which woman? queries Ted, in a voice of indifferent wonder. Why, Miss Wilden, of course! Her common sense might tell her that I would rather have a regular governess for the children if they need teaching. There is nothing in the world I hate more than officious meddling with my affairs, and yet there is nothing that one is more utterly incapable of sup- pressing without positive rudeness. "I say, dont get waxy over it, old boy! suggests Ted, regarding his brother with some amazement, for Robert has as a rule such an equable temper that it seems strange to find it even in the least ruffled. "For my own part, I thought it awfully kind of Miss Wilden to propose having the kids over she seems very unselfish and "I dont doubt for a moment that she is a most estimable woman, responds Robert impatiently, "but she has no tact, no common sense; she must have seen plainly that I hated being put under such an obligation. If she insists upon teaching tbe children, I dont see how I can prevent her, only I shall certainly send her a check at the end of the quarter for ber trouble, and so make a business matter of it "You cant possibly do that, cries Ted, in a voice of consternation; "I am sure she would take it as an Insult! If you want to satisfy your conscience, the children could make her some present of Jewelry or something of that kind-hearte- d. sort. I dont care so long as she gets remarks the elder paid somehow, brother carelessly, and yet with a good deal of annoyance in his tone. Ted walks on for some moments In meditative silence; then he says suddenly "I wonder what has come over Shell since I met her last She used to be one of the Jolllest little girls in existence, and now she seems to be full of selfishness and spite. Surely she cant have been crossed in love; yet nothing else that I can think of would account for the utter indifference which she seems for the world in general "Poor little Shell I noticed a great assents Robert change in her too! dreamily. "As you say, she used to be such a chatty child, and this evening her behavior was almost rude; perhaps she has had something, as you suggest, to Bour her. I thought she looked quite pretty in that simple white dress. "I might have thought her pretty If she had condescended to make herself agreeable," laughs Ted; but, since she did nothing but snub me at every turn, her bair struck me as being remarkably red, and her temper uncommonly bad. Wasnt that piece of music an awful infliction? "Excruciating! agrees Robert heartily. "Her family ought to give her a hint not to inflict herself on visitors, or, if she insists on playing she should limit her performance to five minutes. "Oh, well, I must own it was rather my fault! confesses honest Ted. "She warned me beforehand that I shouldnt want her to play again if I heard her tranquilly. This open rebellion on Bob's part causes Ruby to rise from her chair and advance ominously towards the culprit I don't care I dont! cries Bob in a frightened voice. "You can put me on three dunces caps if you like. Ruby makes no answer, but, having reached his side, administers a sharp box on each ear. "I don't care, repeats Bob, whose poor Illtle face Is crimson at the indig- nity. "Then yon are a wicked little' boy, says Ruby angrily; "and aa a punishment you shall do another whole copy of 'I dont care, reiterates Bob doggedly, as Ruby roughly drags him pot-hook- s. from his perch. "Now watch me whilst I set your copy, and if you make a blot on this page I shall punish you, remember." "I wouldn't be as cross as you for do whole world, remarks Megs chirping voice at this moment with great decision. She has risen from the carpet, and is regarding Ruby with a mixture of dislike and fear. Then there was silence in the apartment whilst Ruby labors through a whole line of stately she is always very careful about setting the copy well, because the copy is occasionally shown to Mr. Champley. She makes a graceful picture, seated on a low Chair, and with her well poised bead bent eagerly over her task; unfortunately. Bob and Meg are not of an age to appreciate beauty as a mere study. Yet, notwithstanding this fact, Bob's keen eyes are fixed upon her closely, though with no friendly look. Presently his keen gaze lights upon a hair-pi-n standing loosely out from Rubys heavy plaits. Cautiously very cautiously he first touches It, then draws It out and bolds it up for Megs approval. That little damsel smiles and dimples with delight Much pleased with Lis success, he quietly withdraws another pin and then another; but suddenly his exultation changes into fright for with a slow movement the big shining plait once. Well, she gave us a quantity, if not comes gliding down and falls at his feet quality! laughs Robert "Oh, I didnt mean It" he says In a "Indeed she did! acquiesces Ted, tone of apology, "but your hair has with almost a groan. pot-hoo- ks FOB BOYS AND GIRLS. STORIES FOR OUR JUNIOR READERS. BOMB GOOD Morning U lories A Hoi nil Hof's School Kcmnrknblo Ksnoipl of 011 How (he V lnilrrclla Legcuit Age Orlglunlcd lho Musical Cot. Illy'a ed r rag-tim- morning-g- Tann-haus- heart-sbapp- ef- fect of sending tender-hearte- d Meg off into a spasmodic fit of weeping, so distressed is she at the Idea of causing grief to ber dear papa. (To be Continued.) er ed deep-tone- d, s. six-ye- ar Oi If In of th Cinderella Legend. The story of Cinderella apparently Even now he does not understand owes Its origin to an Egyptian legend. the enormity of his offense, nor can he Rhodope, a very beautiful maiden, comprehend why Ruby becomes so lived during the reign of one of the alarmingly red aa she stoops to pick twelve kings of Egypt. One day she up her lost property. went to bathe in a beautiful river, and Did you cut It off, Bohr asks Meg left her shoes, which were very small, innocently. on the bank thereof. An eagle pounced "No, I only took out the pins, and it down upon them, and bore one of them fell off, explains Bob, who is full of off in his talons; and, acting the part consternation at the mischief he has of the fairy godmother, when flying over Memphis, where the king was wrought "You had no right to touch it Bays staying, let it fall directly at his feet If your papa only Its small Blze and beauty attracted the Ruby severely. knew how rude you hare been he attention of the sovereign, and he imwould have you punished. This she mediately despatched envoys to disRhodope was eventuof says by way warning the children cover its owner. was and carried to Memfound, ally at this contretemps against repeating she became the where in triumph, home little does she understand their phis Aaammetlcua. of King queen and confidence in their perfect love father. Her announcement only has the f lived the simple and abstemious life of a small farmer. At length the fame of the wonderful nl. man reached the Polly's lln ears of the second earl of Arundel, who Wht'ti Mar Ann was cooking once brought Parr in a litter by easy stages Uur lciliy made a pie; to London in Septcnilier, 1G33. The Site took Moult Hour mid water And Minn lunu-- standlm; ulgh; wonderful vitality of tbe old man was And then clu- - took some aiiKar, 'cauaa marvel of the age. lie was pretbe She mu)' mIio liken thiiiKM sweet. sented to the king and afterwards exAfid Miiiiikhii on tne roiling board All that Mho didn't eat. hibited at tbe Queen's Head in the Strand. She rolled It out a long, long time. All these changes, however, had an With Balt, a little lilt; And dropped It four times on the floor. Injurious effect on bis health. He And once she stepped on It. missed the invigorating air of his naShe doesn't think pie plate made of tin tive Shropshire, and tbe constitution Are pretty, so she took A small, red flower pot saucer which years seemed powerless to afWhich was better for the cook. fect, gave way before the noise and excitement of Ixmdnn, and a superShe filled her pie with half a pear. abundance of rich diet, of which Parr Two raisins und a dale; Then put It In the oven, and partook with his characteristic indifForgot It till quite lute. ference to consequences. It was not burned, for Mary Ana The old man died in November, 1633, Had taken care gf that; So Iully gave a party to aged 152, and was buried in WestminThe chickens and the cat. ster Abbey, where an inscription records the chief circumstances of his rePalty'a Morning U lories. markable life, and mentions the fact Please, mamma! persisted Patty, that he lived in the reigns of ten khen tbe wiBe mother forbade her little undaughter planting morning-glorie- s der the pantry window. "I wont let Th Mualral Cat. them grow into tbe window, or tangle Judging by the shrill, unmelodlous themselves in the blinds, or make any- "meaous with which the feline race body trouble. Truly, I will train them makes known its temper, its wants and its woes, one would not give the every day. Please, mamma! So Patty bad ber own way. Patty ordinary house cat credit for possesse was very fond of having her own way. ing knowledge of even music, It was one day in September that much less classical operas and oraPatty sat on the back steps dolefully torios. But it seems that Pussys voice is by no means indicative of her regarding a row of disgraceful lories that climbed into the pan- tastes and mental acquirements, and if try window, tangled themselves in tbe in a musical program gotten up for shutters and swung into every nook here benefit, you were to substitute and corner where they were not "How I Love My Lou for the march or a chorua from wanted. Havent I told you as many as Faust, thinking she would never sixty times you mustn't climb into that know the difference, you would be window? scolded Patty. "Havent I pretty apt to get yourself into trouble. trained you and twisted you and spent At least we have scientists word to hours and hours trying to teach you that effect, and it is never advisable to to be good? I thought mebbe it was contradict a scientist. And these the sugar cookies, and the cook hasnt scientific Investigators go still further, made anything but gingerbread for a and maintain that although to uncultivated ears Pussys wails are not parweek oh, dear! A vagrant breeze brushed past the ticularly pleasing and inspiring, they are, nevertheless, replete with musical slender cords, shaking all tbe leaves until, twinkling and quality, being given in perfect time laughing in the eunshine, they seemed (the scientists here undoubtedly refer to tbe number of beats to a measure to laugh at Patty. so rather than to the divisions of the day What makes morning-glorie- s stubborn, anyway? asked Patty with and night), and embellished with a deep sigh. scherzos, trills and crescendos fit to At this the morning-glorie- s sobered break your heart And when It cornea down directly and spoke quietly, so to purring Pussy's tones are sweeter quietly that Patty heard their voices than the softest lullaby. Scientists may be right about tbe in the stillest places of her heart. "Sometimes little girls sre just as purr, a soft, gentle hum stubborn as morning-gloriebeing often soothing to Jagged nerves, but as to the caterwauling well, everybody to bis taste. All things conA Small Hof's Sr hem. A small boy who is not familiar with sidered, it seems quite probable that rural ways was taken by his fond some cats are more appreciative of our music than we are of theirs. We have mamma for a brief atay in the counit on good authority that several of counIn On a a farm try. neighboring ty be waxed fat and sunburnt, and these feline musical prodigies are residents of Chicago. One of them lives picked up a wondrous store of astonin a fine house in North State street. One the farmer day ishing experience. Her mistress is particularly fond of smilingly said to his mother: "Just ask your boy wbat he bid two her, and at the musicals which are So, at the frequently given there Mrs. Pussy is eggs in the stable for. very first opportunity, the mother said always given a chance to show off her musical ability that is, so far as listo tbe old: did what do with tening and criticising are concerned. you "My dear, those eggs you took from the hen- This cat not only enjoys good music, it is claimed, but has her favorite airs, house? aa soon as the chords are struck and Oh, mamma, replied the boy, "I on the piano or guitar or uttered by didnt want you to know about It "Why, it's all right, said mamma. the human voire she manifests her "I only want to know what my boy did pleasure in various ways, such as rubbing her soft fur against the performwith tbem. "I hid them in the stable, said the er, swaying her tail gracefully In accompaniment and purring In Joyful aplittle fellow. preciation. The cat is a thoroughbred And what for? Maltese. Her mistress declares that "Cause it's my scheme. "Your scheme? And what' is your when she was a tiny kitten so many evidences of Pussys musical talents scheme? Why, you see, mamma, said tbe were apparent that it was deemed little philosopher, "when eggs is proper to cultivate them. Her educahorned In a chickenbouse they is al- tion has therefore received constant ways little chickens, an I fink if they and careful attention. The results, It was borned in a stable dey might be goes without saying, are exceedingly satisfactory. Emma M. Wise. little horses! come off. CHAPTER IV. Ruby has now been the Instructress of Bob and Meg for nearly a month. The novelty of her voluntary task has worn off; the children too have taken off that feeling of restraint and shyness which caused in the beginning them to sK models of little like patience devoted during the ' two hours to lessons. They have now begun to realize the fact that their liberty is restricted during the morning visits to the Wilderness, and both are beginning to regard their disinterested benefactress simply in the light of a Jailer. Ruby possesses none of those qualities so essentially necessary to win childish hearts she has no pa- -, tience, no tact, and not an atom of real sympathy for her young charges. One bright June morning Bob is laboriously forming some strange hieroglyphics supposed to represent pothooks In a very blotted and limpy copybook, whilst poor little Meg, with an married bis first wife, by whom he had one son and one daughter. About this time be was lu the prime of bis vigor-omind and body. When Parr was 112 years of age his first wife died, and ten years later he married a second wife. For thirty years afterwards he lived the life of a husbandman. At the age of 130 years Parr used to thresh out the corn on the barn floor and be Ramarkabla Esampla of Old Agm, Probably the most remarkable example of old age is furnished by The Old, Thomas Parr of England. Old, Very Old Man, aa John Taylor calls him. When 80 years of age Parr President McKinley. During the late war a certain old colonel who had served all through the civil war and who had lost one of his eyes at the battle ol Gettysburg, was very indignant because be was put aside as physical! incapacitated when he applied for admission to one of the New York volunteer regiments. Filled with wrath he journeyed tq Washington, bent on having a personal interview with the president. He suo ceeded in gaining an audience, and thq president, after listening to his plea said kindly: , yot "But, my good Colonel S have only one eye. "Just so, sir, was the prompt rejoinder, "but cant you see the grea) advantage of my having only one eyet When I aim my gun, I will not havi to close the other! He fought at Santiago. Harper! Bazar. Spanish-Amerlc- an To open an oyster, the force required appears to be 1.319H times thl waiarht of the she'l-lpi- g creature |