VALLEY

MRS. DAVIS MAKES A CALL 149"Because nobody ever supposed you cared anythingabout any of your children," retorted Mrs. Davis contemptuously."You neglect them scandalously. It isthe talk of the place. They aren't fed or dressed properly,and they're not trained at all.They have no moremanners than a pack of wild Indians. You neverthink of doing your duty as a father. You let a straychild come here among them for a fortnight and nevertook anynotice of her a child that swore like aAnd she rid a pig down the streetThe way they acttrooper I'm told. You wouldn't have cared if they'dcaught small-pox from her. And Faith made anexhibition of herself getting up in preaching and makingthat speech !under your very eyes I understand.is past belief and you never lift a finger to stop themor try to teach them anything. And now when I offerone of them a good home and good prospects you refuseit and insult me. A pretty father you, to talk ofloving and caring for your children !""That will do, woman!" said Mr. Meredith. Hestood up and looked at Mrs. Davis with eyes that madeher quail. "That will do," he repeated. "I desire tohear no more, Mrs. Davis. You have said too much.It may be that I have been remiss in some respects inmy duty as a parent, but it is not for you to remindme of it in such terms as you have used. Let us saygood afternoon."Mrs. Davis did not say anything half so amiable asgood afternoon, but she took her departure. As she