"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.