School over, she had a half hour of rest, then went to the piano for an hour's practice, her mamma sitting by to aid and encourage her.
Mr. Travilla came in, asking, "Where is Eddie?"
"Here, papa," and the boy came running in with face all aglow with delight. "O, are you going to teach me how to shoot? I saw you coming with that pistol in your hand, and I'm so glad."
"Yes," his father answered, smiling at the eager face. "You will not be anxious, little wife?" turning to her with a tender loving look.
"No, my husband; surely I can trust him with you, his own wise, careful, loving father;" she answered with a confiding smile.
"O papa, mayn't I go along with you? and won't you teach me too?" cried
Violet, who was always ready for any excitement.
"Not to-day, daughter: only Eddie and I are going now; but sometime I will teach you all. It is well enough for even ladies to handle a pistol on occasion, and your mamma is quite a good shot."
Vi looked disappointed but did not fret, pout, or ask a second time; for such things were not allowed in the family by either parent.
"Mamma's good little girl," the mother said, drawing her caressingly to her side, as Mr. Travilla and Eddie left the room. "I am going to walk down to the quarter this afternoon and will take you and your brother and sister with me, if you care to go."
"O, mamma, thank you! yes indeed, I do want to go," cried the little one, her face growing bright as its wont. "May we be there when the bell rings? 'cause I do like to see the dogs." And she clapped her tiny hands with a laugh like the chiming of silver bells.