The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1884-08-20

In the meantime, Barbara had
worked away so industriously that
the four large windows which rem
dered the east room perfect haven
oflight. were shining like diamonds.
though no brighter than the eyes of
the girl who had brought forth order
out OF great deal of chaos that day.
And there. was little satisfied feel
inc about Barbara's heart which she
would not have exchanged for dia-
monds. For she was conscious of
having been of great service to her
tired little mother, and that remem-
brance brought rich glow to her
round cheeks, and made her heart
beat with satisfaction. Mrs. Arden
was q widow, and this pretty coun-
try home was her only possession
therefore, a summer boarder had al
ways been found advantageous, and,
of course, due preparation for the
expected advent was necessary.
"There!" commented Barbara, Civ
ing the last window pane final pol
ish and inspecting it critically, with
her small head to one side like a
birds, that is about as well as /
can do it, and with little sigh
of satisfaction-''I fiatter myself it
looks quite well. What is it, Jane ?"
she added, hastily, as the small
maid appeared at the open door,
thrusting her tow head inside, with
an air OF mystery.
sIf you please, Miss Barbara, "
quoth Jane. There's somebody
down stairs as wants to see you"
Barbara gave vent to groan of
disnay.
10 see melr she calculated 'oh,
the saints forbid Who is it. Jane ?"
Jane giggled.
"If you please, Miss Barbara, its
book agent, | believe"
Barbara's face took on relieved
expression.
STell mamma" she returned SEN
tentiously, dipping her brush into a
pail of soapsuds, preparatory TO i
raid upon the paint.
'If you please, Miss Barbara, your
mas gone and laid down; her he,d
is bad again. And, Miss Barbara,
its only a book agent, know, for
he's got bag like they always car
~"
"A man, then = Barbara's tone
was a little troubled. at is bad
enough to be summoned in such a
plight into the presence OF one OF our
own sex, but--a man"
l think my lady readers will APP
preciate Barbara's condition of
mind.
"Well, if ! must, l must" she
sighed, plaintively. "But do wish
Rose bad stayed at home to receive
any chance callers
Wiping the soapsuds from her
hands was all the preparation that
Barbara made. She had torn her
dress fearfully upon the stepladder,
but did not observe it. She went
hastilysdown stairs, torn frock, band
aged head, and al the other disad-
vantages OF dirt. the natural conse-
quence of house-cleaning. opened
the parlor door. and stood face to
face with professor Norton.
Some awful instinct warned her
of the truth. He had arrived day
earlier than he had expected, only
to be met in this primitive fashion.
But Barbara made the best OF it.
like a sensible girl. and when she
had altered her personal appearance
by more suitable attire, she return
ed to the parlor, and there she found
herself good two hours later. when
dinner was announced.
The acquaintance thus begun pro-
gressed famously, and, judge, with
the most gratifying results, for only
this morning | read in the daily pa
peis an announcement of the mar
riage of Professor Walter Norton to
Barbara, Youngest daughter of the
late Edgar Arden.
And | know the young professor
has won a treasure beside whom
Roses placid, helpless beauty counts
as nothing.