were not railway chilken to begin with. I do not suppose they had ever thought about railways except as a mens of getting tomaskelyne andcooks ,thepantomime,zoological gardens,and madame tussaud ’a. they were just ordinary suburban children, and they lived with their father and door, a tiled passage that was called a hall ,a bath-room with hot and cole water,electric bells,french windows, and a good deal of white paint,and every modern convenience’,as the house-agebts say.
There ere three of them.oberta was the eldest. Of course ,mothers never have favourites,but if thei mother had had a favourite,it might have been roberto.next came peter ,who wished to be anengingeer when he grow up;and the youngest was phyllis, who meant extremely well.
Mother did not spend all her tim in paying dull calls to dull ladies,and sitting dully at home waitingfor dull ladies to pay calls calls to her. She was almost always there,ready to paly with the childen,and read to them,and help them to do their home-lessons. Besides this she used to write stories or them while they were at school. And read them aloud after tea .and she always mad up funny pieces of poetry for their birthdays and or other great ocassions,such sa the christening of the news kittens ,or the time when they were getting ove the mumps.
These three lucky children always had everything they needed;pretty clothes,good fires, a lovely nursery with heeaps of toys,and a mother goose james, and who was their very own, they also had a father who was just perfect neve cross,never unjust ,and alwaysready for a game at least ,if at any time he was not ready ,he always had an excellent reason for it .and explained the reason to the children so interestingly and funnily that they felt sure he could don’t help himself.
You will think that they ought to have been very happy. And so theyThey were,but they did not know how happy till the pretty life in the read villa was over and done with,and they had to live a very different life indeed.
The dreadful change came quite suddenly.
Peter had a birthday his tenth. Among his other prents was a model engine more perfect than you could ever have dreamed of. The other prents were full of charm,but the engine was fuller of charm than of the others were.
Its charm lasted in its full perfection for exactly three dats. Then,owing either to peter ’s inexperience or phyllis ’s good intentions,which had been rather pressing,or to some other cause,the engine suddenly went off with a bang. James was so frightened that he went out and did not come back all day. All the noah’s ark people who were in the tender were broken to bits,but nothing else was hut except the poor little engine and the feelings of peter. The others said he cried over it-but of course boys of ten do not cry,however terible the tragedies may be which darken their lot. He said that his eyes were ed because he had a cold. This turend out to be tue,thougt peter did not know it was when he said it,the next day he had to go to bed and stay there.motherr beganto be afraid that he might be sickening for measles,when sundly he sat up in bed and said:
“I heat gruel-I heat barleywater iheat bread annd milk.i want to get up and have something real to eat.”
“what would you like?”mother asked .
So mother asked the cook to make a lage pigeon-pie.the pie was made. And when the pie was made,it was cooked.and when it was cooked,peter ate some of it. After that his could was bate. Mother made a piece of poetry to amuse him while the pie was being made.it began by saying what an unfortunate but wothy boy peter was, then it went on:
He hade an engine that he loved
With all his heart and soul,
And if he had a wish onn earth
It was to keep it whole.
One-day-my friends,prepare your minds;
I’m coming to the worst
Quite suddenly a scew went made,
And then the boiler burst!
With gloomy face he picked it up
And took it to his mnother,
Though even he could not suppose
That he could maker other;
For those who perished on the line
He did not seem to care,
His engine being more to him
Than all the people there.
And now you see the eason why
Our peter has been il;
He soothes his soul with pigeon-pie
His gnawing gief to kill.
He wraps himself in blankets warm
And sleeps in bed till late,
Determined thus to overcome
His miserable fate.
And if his eyes are rather red.
His cold must excuseit;
Offer him pie;you may by sure
He never will refuse it.
Father had been away in the countuy for three or four days. All peter’shopes for the curing of his afflicted enginge were now fixed on his father,for fathe was most wonderfully clever with his fingr.he could mend all sorts of things. He had ofthen acted as veterinary surgeon to the wooden ocking-hose; once he had saved its life when all human aid was despaired of,and the poo ceature was givenup for lost,and even the carpenter said he didnotcradle when no one else could; and with a little glue and some bits ofwood and a penknife madeall the noah’s ark beasts as strong on theier pins as ever they were,if not stonger.
Peteer, with heroic unselfishness, did not say anything about his engginge till after fathe had had his dinner and his afte-ddinner cigar. The unselfishness was mother’s idea-but it was peter who carried it out. And needed a good deal of patience,too.
At last mothe said to father, ”now, dear, if you were quite rested, and quite comfy,we want to tell you about the great railway accident, and ask you advice. ”
“ all right,”said athe,”fire away!”
So then peter told the sad tale, and fetched what was left of the engine.
“hum, ”said father, when he had looked the engine over very carefully.
The children held their breaths.
“is there no hope?”said peter, in a low, unsteady voice.
“hope? Rather! Tons of it,”said father, cheerfully;”but it will want something beside hope- a bit of brazong say, or some solde, and a new valve.i think we had better keep it for a rainy day. In other words, I will give up Saturday afternoon to it ,and you shall all help me.”
“can girls help to mend engines?”pete asked doubtfully.
“of couse they can.girls are just as clever as boys , and don’t you forgetit! How would you lick to be an engine-driver,phil?” My face would be always dirty, wouldn’t it? Said phyllis, in unenthusiastic tones, “and I expect I should break something.” “I should just love it,”said robeta-“do you think I could when I am grown up, daddy? Or even a stoker?”
“you mean a fireman,”said daddy,pulling and twisting at the engine,”well, if you still wish it, when you were grown up, we will
see about making you a fire-woman , I remember when I was a boy-”
Just then there waas a knock at the front door.
Who on earth! Said fathe.”an engishman’s house is his castle, of course, but I do wish they buit semi-detached villas with moats and drawbidges.”
Ruth- she was the parlour-maid and had red hair-came in and said that tow gentlemen wanted to see the masre.
I have shoen themm into the library, sir,said she.
I expect it is the subscription to the vicar ’s testimonial,said mother, or else it is the choir holiday fund. Get rid of the quickly,dea.it idoes break up an evening soo, and it is nearly the children’s bedtime.
But father did not seem to be able to get of the gentmen at a;; quickly.
I wish we had got a moat and drawbridge,said roberta, ;then, when we did not want people, we could just pull up the drawbridge and noone else could get in. I expect father will have forgetton about when she was a boy if they stay much longer.
Mother tried too make the time pass by telling them a new fairy story about a princess with green eyes, but it was difficult because they could hear the voices of father and the gentlemen in the library, and father’svoice sounded lounder and different to the generally used to people who came about testimonials and hoilday funds.
Then the library bell rang, and everyone heaved a breath of relief.
They are going now, said phyllis;she hasrung to have then shown out.
But innstead of showing anybody out, ruth showed hersel in, and she looked queer, the children thought.
Please ’m, she said , the master wants you to just step into the study, he looks like the dead , mum; I think h’s had bad news. You ’d best prepare yourself for the worst,it’s a death in the family or a bank busted or-
That will do , ruth, said mother gently;you can go.
Then mother went into the library. Thee was moe talking. Then the bell rang again, and ruth fetched a cab. The children heard boots go out and down the steps, the cab drove away, and the front door shut. Then mother came in. he dear face was as while as her lace collar, and her eyes looked very big and shining. Her mouth looked liked just a line of pale ed he lips were thin and not their proper shape at all.
It is bedtime, she said ,ruth will put you to bed.
But you promised we should sit up late tonight because father’s come home, sai phyllis.
Father ’s been called away-on business, said mother an extra hug and to whisper.
It was’t bad news, mammy, was’t? Is anyone dead-or –
Nobody ’s dead-no, said mother, and she almost seemed to push robeta away. I cant tell you anything tonight, my pet. Go, dear, go now.
So roberrta went.
Ruth brushed the girks’ hair and helped then to undress. When she had turned down the gas and left them she found peter, still dressed, waiting on the stairs.
I say, ruth, what’s ？ he asked.
Don ’t ask me no questions and I won’t tell you no lies, the red –headed ruth replied.”you ’ll know soon enough.
Late that night mothe came up and kissed all three children as they lay asleep. But roberta was the only one whom the kiss woke, and she lay mousey-still, and said nothing.
If mothe doesn ’t want us to know she ’s been crying, she said to herselif as she heard though the dark the catching of her mother ’s breath, we won’t know it ,that’s all.
Whn they came down to breakfast the next morning, mother had already gonr out.
To london, ruth said, and let them to their breakfast.
There ’s something awul the matter, said peter, breaking his egg. Ruth told me last night we should know soon enough. Did you ask her？ Said roberta, with scorn.
Yes, I did! Said peter, angrily. If you could go to bed without caring whether mother was woied or not, I couldn’t. so there. I don’t think we ought to ask the servants things mothe doesn’t tell us, said roberta.
That ’s right, miss goody-goody, said peteer, prech away.
I’m not goody, said phyllis, but I think bobbie’s right this time.
Of course, shee always is,in her own option, said peter.
Oh, don’t! cried robeta, putting down he egg-spoon; don’t let’s be hoid toeach other. I’m sure some dire calamity is happening. Don ’t let’s make it worse!
Who began, ishould like to know? Said peter.
Oberta made an effort, and answeewd
I did , I suppose, but-
Well,then, said peter, triuphantly. But before he went to schooll he thumped his siste between the shoullde and told her tocheer up.
The childen came home to one o’clock dinner, but mother was not there. And she was not thee at tea-time.
It was nearly seven before she came in, looking so ill and tired that the children felt they could not ask her any qustions. She sank into an am-chair. Phyllis took the long pins out of her hat, while roberta took off her gloves, and peter unfastened her walking- shoes and fetched her soft verlvety slippers for her.
When she had had a cup of tea, and roberta had put eau-de –cologne on her poor head that ached. Mother said-
Nw, my darlings, I want to tell you something, thouse men last night did bring very bad nws, and father will be away for some time. I am veryworie about it, and I want you all to help me, and not to make things harde for me.
As if aawe would! Said roberta, holding mmothe’s hand against he face.
You can help me vey much, said mother, by being good and happy and not quarelling when I’m away roberta and peer exchanged guilty glances- for I shall have to be away a good deal.
We won’t quarrel. Indeed wae won’t, said everbody, and meant it, too.
Then, motherwenton. I want you not to ask me any question about this trouble; and not to ask anybody slse any questions. Peteer cringed and shuffled his boots on the capet,
You ’ll promisethis,too, won’t you?said mothe. I did ask ruth, said pte, suddenly. Iam very sorry, buti did. And what did she say、 She said I should know soon enough.
It is not necessary for you to know anything about it, said mother; it’s about business, annd you neve do nderstand business, do you?
No, said roberta; is it something to do with government? For father was in a government ofice
.patent likely intelligence intellectual economic decline available legal opportunity cancer federal circumstance Essential substance account competition obvious pressure productivity capacity evolution industrial journal Challenge intend trend community expert potential reality claim ambition respect site professional grant predict responsible principle principle journalist shift highly consequence management maintain variety international relate largely particular executive organization combine requirement immigrant stress approach retail influential technical
Patent likely intelligence intellectual economic decline available legal opportunity cancer federal circumstance Essential substance account competition obvious pressure productivity capacity evolution industrial journal Challenge intend trend community expert potential reality claim ambition respect site professional grant Predict responsible principle principle journalist shift highly consequence management maintain variety International relate largely particular executive organization combine requirement immigrant stress approach retail Influential technical
Patent likely intelligence intellectual economic decline available legal opportunity cancer federal circumstance Essential substance account competition obvious pressure productivity capacity evolution industrial journal Challenge intend trend community expert potential reality claim ambition respect site professional grant Predict responsible principle journalist shift highly consequence management maintain variety
International elate largely particular executive organization combine requirement immigrant stress approach retail Influential technical
Patent likely intelligence intellectual economic decline available legal opportunity cancer federal circumstance Essential substance account competition obvious pressure productivity capacity evolution industrial journal Challenge intend trend community expert potential reality claim ambition respect site professional grant
Predict responsible principle journalist shift highly consequence management immigrant stress approach Retail influence influential technical;
Access critic public selection genetic evolve observe survive agent institution debate specific religious
Competitive recommend increasing characteristic gamble spot physical virtual historical majority atmosphere Response definite demonstrate discipline analysis moreover complex appropriate acquire peer critical educate Criticism status define historian practical expose relevant advocate eventually species stable specialist benefit Activity reject property emphasize emerge security bias belief identify expectation original
Access critic public selection genetic evolve observe survive agent institution debate specific religious
Competitive recommend increasingly characteristic gamble spot physical virtual historical majority atmosphere Response definite demonstrate discipline analysis gamble spot physical virtual historical acquire peer critical educate Criticism status define historian practical expose relevant advocate eventually species stable specialist benefit Activity reject property emphasis emerge security bias belief identify expectation original
Access critic public selection genetic evolve observe survive agent institution debate specific religious
Competition recommend increasing characteristic gable spot physical virtual historical majority atmosphere Response definite demonstrate discipline analysis moreover complex appropriate acquire peer critical educate Criticism status define historian practical expose relevant advocate eventually species stable specialist benefit
Activity reject property emphasis emerge security bias belief identify expectation original
Survival innovation policy profit supreme temper engage agency nevertheless background phenomenon emphasis scale track replace audience unique origin compete enterprise means respond deliver arise apply understanding reasonable contrast possibility expand comment neglect intelligent reform preserve crime motion fulfill nuclear religion prospect graduate consumption classical source reveal impose communication convention judgment creatine electronic conduct inflation confuse witness differ expense tendency
Survival innovation policy profit supreme temper engage agency nevertheless background phenomenon emphasis scale track replace audience unique origin compete enterprise means respond deliver arise apply understanding reasonable contrast possibility expand comment neglect intelligent reform preserve crime motion fulfill nuclear religion prospect graduate consumption classical source reveal impose communication convention judgment creatine electronic conduct inflation confuse witness differ expense tendency
Survival innovation policy profit supreme temper engage agency nevertheless background phenomenon emphasis scale track replace audience unique origin compete enterprise means respond deliver arise apply understanding reasonable contrast possibility expand comment neglect intelligent reform preserve crime motion fulfill nuclear religion prospect graduate consumption classical source reveal impose communication convention judgment creatine electronic conduct inflation confuse witness differ expense tendency
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit commit regulation fairly avoid guarantee significant justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosophy assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit comment regulation fairly avoid guarantee significant justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosophy assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significant justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosophy assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element rang quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significant justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosophy assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significance justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosopher assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element rnge quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significance justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosopher assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significance justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosopher assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significance justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosopher assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
were not railway chilken to begin with. I do not suppose they had ever thought about railways except as a mens of getting tomaskelyne andcooks ,thepantomime,zoological gardens,and madame tussaud ’a. they were just ordinary suburban children, and they lived with their father and door, a tiled passage that was called a hall ,a bath-room with hot and cole water,electric bells,french windows, and a good deal of white paint,and every modern convenience’,as the house-agebts say.
There ere three of them.oberta was the eldest. Of course ,mothers never have favourites,but if thei mother had had a favourite,it might have been roberto.next came peter ,who wished to be anengingeer when he grow up;and the youngest was phyllis, who meant extremely well.
Mother did not spend all her tim in paying dull calls to dull ladies,and sitting dully at home waitingfor dull ladies to pay calls calls to her. She was almost always there,ready to paly with the childen,and read to them,and help them to do their home-lessons. Besides this she used to write stories or them while they were at school. And read them aloud after tea .and she always mad up funny pieces of poetry for their birthdays and or other great ocassions,such sa the christening of the news kittens ,or the time when they were getting ove the mumps.
These three lucky children always had everything they needed;pretty clothes,good fires, a lovely nursery with heeaps of toys,and a mother goose james, and who was their very own, they also had a father who was just perfect neve cross,never unjust ,and alwaysready for a game at least ,if at any time he was not ready ,he always had an excellent reason for it .and explained the reason to the children so interestingly and funnily that they felt sure he could don’t help himself.
You will think that they ought to have been very happy. And so theyThey were,but they did not know how happy till the pretty life in the read villa was over and done with,and they had to live a very different life indeed.
The dreadful change came quite suddenly.
Peter had a birthday his tenth. Among his other prents was a model engine more perfect than you could ever have dreamed of. The other prents were full of charm,but the engine was fuller of charm than of the others were.
Its charm lasted in its full perfection for exactly three dats. Then,owing either to peter ’s inexperience or phyllis ’s good intentions,which had been rather pressing,or to some other cause,the engine suddenly went off with a bang. James was so frightened that he went out and did not come back all day. All the noah’s ark people who were in the tender were broken to bits,but nothing else was hut except the poor little engine and the feelings of peter. The others said he cried over it-but of course boys of ten do not cry,however terible the tragedies may be which darken their lot. He said that his eyes were ed because he had a cold. This turend out to be tue,thougt peter did not know it was when he said it,the next day he had to go to bed and stay there.motherr beganto be afraid that he might be sickening for measles,when sundly he sat up in bed and said:
“I heat gruel-I heat barleywater iheat bread annd milk.i want to get up and have something real to eat.”
“what would you like?”mother asked .
So mother asked the cook to make a lage pigeon-pie.the pie was made. And when the pie was made,it was cooked.and when it was cooked,peter ate some of it. After that his could was bate. Mother made a piece of poetry to amuse him while the pie was being made.it began by saying what an unfortunate but wothy boy peter was, then it went on:
He hade an engine that he loved
With all his heart and soul,
And if he had a wish onn earth
It was to keep it whole.
One-day-my friends,prepare your minds;
I’m coming to the worst
Quite suddenly a scew went made,
And then the boiler burst!
With gloomy face he picked it up
And took it to his mnother,
Though even he could not suppose
That he could maker other;
For those who perished on the line
He did not seem to care,
His engine being more to him
Than all the people there.
And now you see the eason why
Our peter has been il;
He soothes his soul with pigeon-pie
His gnawing gief to kill.
He wraps himself in blankets warm
And sleeps in bed till late,
Determined thus to overcome
His miserable fate.
And if his eyes are rather red.
His cold must excuseit;
Offer him pie;you may by sure
He never will refuse it.
Father had been away in the countuy for three or four days. All peter’shopes for the curing of his afflicted enginge were now fixed on his father,for fathe was most wonderfully clever with his fingr.he could mend all sorts of things. He had ofthen acted as veterinary surgeon to the wooden ocking-hose; once he had saved its life when all human aid was despaired of,and the poo ceature was givenup for lost,and even the carpenter said he didnotcradle when no one else could; and with a little glue and some bits ofwood and a penknife madeall the noah’s ark beasts as strong on theier pins as ever they were,if not stonger.
Peteer, with heroic unselfishness, did not say anything about his engginge till after fathe had had his dinner and his afte-ddinner cigar. The unselfishness was mother’s idea-but it was peter who carried it out. And needed a good deal of patience,too.
At last mothe said to father, ”now, dear, if you were quite rested, and quite comfy,we want to tell you about the great railway accident, and ask you advice. ”
“ all right,”said athe,”fire away!”
So then peter told the sad tale, and fetched what was left of the engine.
“hum, ”said father, when he had looked the engine over very carefully.
The children held their breaths.
“is there no hope?”said peter, in a low, unsteady voice.
“hope? Rather! Tons of it,”said father, cheerfully;”but it will want something beside hope- a bit of brazong say, or some solde, and a new valve.i think we had better keep it for a rainy day. In other words, I will give up Saturday afternoon to it ,and you shall all help me.”
“can girls help to mend engines?”pete asked doubtfully.
“of couse they can.girls are just as clever as boys , and don’t you forgetit! How would you lick to be an engine-driver,phil?” My face would be always dirty, wouldn’t it? Said phyllis, in unenthusiastic tones, “and I expect I should break something.” “I should just love it,”said robeta-“do you think I could when I am grown up, daddy? Or even a stoker?”
“you mean a fireman,”said daddy,pulling and twisting at the engine,”well, if you still wish it, when you were grown up, we will
see about making you a fire-woman , I remember when I was a boy-”
Just then there waas a knock at the front door.
Who on earth! Said fathe.”an engishman’s house is his castle, of course, but I do wish they buit semi-detached villas with moats and drawbidges.”
Ruth- she was the parlour-maid and had red hair-came in and said that tow gentlemen wanted to see the masre.
I have shoen themm into the library, sir,said she.
I expect it is the subscription to the vicar ’s testimonial,said mother, or else it is the choir holiday fund. Get rid of the quickly,dea.it idoes break up an evening soo, and it is nearly the children’s bedtime.
But father did not seem to be able to get of the gentmen at a;; quickly.
I wish we had got a moat and drawbridge,said roberta, ;then, when we did not want people, we could just pull up the drawbridge and noone else could get in. I expect father will have forgetton about when she was a boy if they stay much longer.
Mother tried too make the time pass by telling them a new fairy story about a princess with green eyes, but it was difficult because they could hear the voices of father and the gentlemen in the library, and father’svoice sounded lounder and different to the generally used to people who came about testimonials and hoilday funds.
Then the library bell rang, and everyone heaved a breath of relief.
They are going now, said phyllis;she hasrung to have then shown out.
But innstead of showing anybody out, ruth showed hersel in, and she looked queer, the children thought.
Please ’m, she said , the master wants you to just step into the study, he looks like the dead , mum; I think h’s had bad news. You ’d best prepare yourself for the worst,it’s a death in the family or a bank busted or-
That will do , ruth, said mother gently;you can go.
Then mother went into the library. Thee was moe talking. Then the bell rang again, and ruth fetched a cab. The children heard boots go out and down the steps, the cab drove away, and the front door shut. Then mother came in. he dear face was as while as her lace collar, and her eyes looked very big and shining. Her mouth looked liked just a line of pale ed he lips were thin and not their proper shape at all.
It is bedtime, she said ,ruth will put you to bed.
But you promised we should sit up late tonight because father’s come home, sai phyllis.
Father ’s been called away-on business, said mother an extra hug and to whisper.
It was’t bad news, mammy, was’t? Is anyone dead-or –
Nobody ’s dead-no, said mother, and she almost seemed to push robeta away. I cant tell you anything tonight, my pet. Go, dear, go now.
So roberrta went.
Ruth brushed the girks’ hair and helped then to undress. When she had turned down the gas and left them she found peter, still dressed, waiting on the stairs.
I say, ruth, what’s ？ he asked.
Don ’t ask me no questions and I won’t tell you no lies, the red –headed ruth replied.”you ’ll know soon enough.
Late that night mothe came up and kissed all three children as they lay asleep. But roberta was the only one whom the kiss woke, and she lay mousey-still, and said nothing.
If mothe doesn ’t want us to know she ’s been crying, she said to herselif as she heard though the dark the catching of her mother ’s breath, we won’t know it ,that’s all.
Whn they came down to breakfast the next morning, mother had already gonr out.
To london, ruth said, and let them to their breakfast.
There ’s something awul the matter, said peter, breaking his egg. Ruth told me last night we should know soon enough. Did you ask her？ Said roberta, with scorn.
Yes, I did! Said peter, angrily. If you could go to bed without caring whether mother was woied or not, I couldn’t. so there. I don’t think we ought to ask the servants things mothe doesn’t tell us, said roberta.
That ’s right, miss goody-goody, said peteer, prech away.
I’m not goody, said phyllis, but I think bobbie’s right this time.
Of course, shee always is,in her own option, said peter.
Oh, don’t! cried robeta, putting down he egg-spoon; don’t let’s be hoid toeach other. I’m sure some dire calamity is happening. Don ’t let’s make it worse!
Who began, ishould like to know? Said peter.
Oberta made an effort, and answeewd
I did , I suppose, but-
Well,then, said peter, triuphantly. But before he went to schooll he thumped his siste between the shoullde and told her tocheer up.
The childen came home to one o’clock dinner, but mother was not there. And she was not thee at tea-time.
It was nearly seven before she came in, looking so ill and tired that the children felt they could not ask her any qustions. She sank into an am-chair. Phyllis took the long pins out of her hat, while roberta took off her gloves, and peter unfastened her walking- shoes and fetched her soft verlvety slippers for her.
When she had had a cup of tea, and roberta had put eau-de –cologne on her poor head that ached. Mother said-
Nw, my darlings, I want to tell you something, thouse men last night did bring very bad nws, and father will be away for some time. I am veryworie about it, and I want you all to help me, and not to make things harde for me.
As if aawe would! Said roberta, holding mmothe’s hand against he face.
You can help me vey much, said mother, by being good and happy and not quarelling when I’m away roberta and peer exchanged guilty glances- for I shall have to be away a good deal.
We won’t quarrel. Indeed wae won’t, said everbody, and meant it, too.
Then, motherwenton. I want you not to ask me any question about this trouble; and not to ask anybody slse any questions. Peteer cringed and shuffled his boots on the capet,
You ’ll promisethis,too, won’t you?said mothe. I did ask ruth, said pte, suddenly. Iam very sorry, buti did. And what did she say、 She said I should know soon enough.
It is not necessary for you to know anything about it, said mother; it’s about business, annd you neve do nderstand business, do you?
No, said roberta; is it something to do with government? For father was in a government ofice
.patent likely intelligence intellectual economic decline available legal opportunity cancer federal circumstance Essential substance account competition obvious pressure productivity capacity evolution industrial journal Challenge intend trend community expert potential reality claim ambition respect site professional grant predict responsible principle principle journalist shift highly consequence management maintain variety international relate largely particular executive organization combine requirement immigrant stress approach retail influential technical
Patent likely intelligence intellectual economic decline available legal opportunity cancer federal circumstance Essential substance account competition obvious pressure productivity capacity evolution industrial journal Challenge intend trend community expert potential reality claim ambition respect site professional grant Predict responsible principle principle journalist shift highly consequence management maintain variety International relate largely particular executive organization combine requirement immigrant stress approach retail Influential technical
Patent likely intelligence intellectual economic decline available legal opportunity cancer federal circumstance Essential substance account competition obvious pressure productivity capacity evolution industrial journal Challenge intend trend community expert potential reality claim ambition respect site professional grant Predict responsible principle journalist shift highly consequence management maintain variety
International elate largely particular executive organization combine requirement immigrant stress approach retail Influential technical
Patent likely intelligence intellectual economic decline available legal opportunity cancer federal circumstance Essential substance account competition obvious pressure productivity capacity evolution industrial journal Challenge intend trend community expert potential reality claim ambition respect site professional grant
Predict responsible principle journalist shift highly consequence management immigrant stress approach Retail influence influential technical;
Access critic public selection genetic evolve observe survive agent institution debate specific religious
Competitive recommend increasing characteristic gamble spot physical virtual historical majority atmosphere Response definite demonstrate discipline analysis moreover complex appropriate acquire peer critical educate Criticism status define historian practical expose relevant advocate eventually species stable specialist benefit Activity reject property emphasize emerge security bias belief identify expectation original
Access critic public selection genetic evolve observe survive agent institution debate specific religious
Competitive recommend increasingly characteristic gamble spot physical virtual historical majority atmosphere Response definite demonstrate discipline analysis gamble spot physical virtual historical acquire peer critical educate Criticism status define historian practical expose relevant advocate eventually species stable specialist benefit Activity reject property emphasis emerge security bias belief identify expectation original
Access critic public selection genetic evolve observe survive agent institution debate specific religious
Competition recommend increasing characteristic gable spot physical virtual historical majority atmosphere Response definite demonstrate discipline analysis moreover complex appropriate acquire peer critical educate Criticism status define historian practical expose relevant advocate eventually species stable specialist benefit
Activity reject property emphasis emerge security bias belief identify expectation original
Survival innovation policy profit supreme temper engage agency nevertheless background phenomenon emphasis scale track replace audience unique origin compete enterprise means respond deliver arise apply understanding reasonable contrast possibility expand comment neglect intelligent reform preserve crime motion fulfill nuclear religion prospect graduate consumption classical source reveal impose communication convention judgment creatine electronic conduct inflation confuse witness differ expense tendency
Survival innovation policy profit supreme temper engage agency nevertheless background phenomenon emphasis scale track replace audience unique origin compete enterprise means respond deliver arise apply understanding reasonable contrast possibility expand comment neglect intelligent reform preserve crime motion fulfill nuclear religion prospect graduate consumption classical source reveal impose communication convention judgment creatine electronic conduct inflation confuse witness differ expense tendency
Survival innovation policy profit supreme temper engage agency nevertheless background phenomenon emphasis scale track replace audience unique origin compete enterprise means respond deliver arise apply understanding reasonable contrast possibility expand comment neglect intelligent reform preserve crime motion fulfill nuclear religion prospect graduate consumption classical source reveal impose communication convention judgment creatine electronic conduct inflation confuse witness differ expense tendency
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit commit regulation fairly avoid guarantee significant justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosophy assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit comment regulation fairly avoid guarantee significant justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosophy assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significant justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosophy assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element rang quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significant justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosophy assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significance justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosopher assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element rnge quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significance justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosopher assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significance justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosopher assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite
Whereas reward alter reflect philosopher fundamental aware element range quit comment regulation fairy avoid guarantee significance justice precise committee effective threaten sustain panel constitute assist database mode relationship exchange leisure presence confront global justify philosopher assume systematical objective significance abuse boom extend primary suicide physician secure reduction intention exceptional radical interpret procedure structure originate include partly stock despite