The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1894-08-04

where but at her. He drew his open
hand nervously down his face, which
was Of unusual gravity even for him.
Finally he cast an appealing glance at
his wife, who sat with her hands folded
on her lap, but her eyes were unrelent-
ing. After a moments hopeless irreso-
luton, Bartlett bent his head over his
plate and murmured:
''FOr what we are about to receive.
oh, make us truly thankful. Amen"
Mrs. Bartlett echoed the last word,
having also bowed her head when she
saw surrender in the troubled eyes Of
her husband.
Now, it happened that Yates, who
bad seen nothing of this silent struggle
of the eyes, being exceedingly hungry,
was making every preparation for the
energetic beginning of the meal. He
had spent most of his life in hotels and
New York boarding houses, SO that if
he ever knew the adage "Grace be-
fore meals" he had forgotten it. In
the midst of his preparations came the
devout words, and they came upon him
as a Supplying surprise. Although
naturally resourceful man, he was
not quick enough this time to cover his
confusion. Miss Bartlett's golden head
was bowed, but out Of the corner of
her eye she saw Yates look of amazed
bewilderment and his sudden halt of
surprise. When all heads were raised
the young girls still remained where
it was, while her plump shoulders
quivered. Then she covered her face
with her apron, and the silvery ripple
Of q laugh came like a smothered
musical chime trickling through her
fingers.
.'Why, Kitty!'' cried her mother, in
establishment, what ever is the mat
ter with you?"
The girl could no longer restrain her
mirth.
you'll have to pour out the tea,
mother!'' she exclaimed, as she fled
from the room.
ssFor the lands sake!'' cried the as
tonished mother, rising to take her
frivolous daughters place, ''what ails
the child? don't see what there is to
laugh at"
Hiram scowled down the table, and
was evidently also Of the opinion that
there was no occasion for mirth. The
professor was equally in the dark.
II am afraid, Mrs. Bartlett" said
Yates, ssthat am the innocent cause
of Miss Kitty's mirth. You see, madam,
it's pathetic thing to say, but really
I have had no home life. Although 1
attend church regularly, of course, . he
added, with jaunty mendacity, II must
confess that haven't heard grace at
meals for years and years, and-well, I
wasn't just prepared for it. have no
doubt / made an exhibition of myself
which your daughter was quick to see"
sit wasn't very polite said Mrs.
Bartlett, with some asperity.
81 know that pleaded Yates, with
! contrition, 'sbut assure you it was un-
intentional on my part.
''Bless the mani cried his hostess.
II don't mean you. l mean Kitty. But
that girl never could keep her face
straight. She always favored me more
than her father"
This statement was not difficult to
believe. for Hiram, at that moment,
looked as if he had never smiled in his
life He sat silent throughout the
meal. but Mrs. Bartlett talked quite
enough for two.
'Well, for my part she said,''I don't
know what farming coming to. Henry
Howard and Margaret drove past here
this afternoon as proud as Punch in
their new-covered buggy. Things is
very different from what they was
when was a girl. Then farmers
daughter had to work. Now Mar
garet's took her diploma at the ladies
college, and Arthur he's begun at the
university, and Henry's sporting round
in new buggy. They have piano
there, with the organ moved out into
the back room"
1.-THE whole Howard lots stuck-up
set, muttered the farmer.
But Mrs Bartlett wouldn't have that.
Any detraction that was necessary
she felt competent to supply without
help from the nominal head Of the.
house.
.No, don't 20 50 far as to say that.
Neither would you, Hiram, if you
hadn't lost your lawsuit about the
line fence; and served you right, too,
1Or IL WOulQub nave OccA OCS III ~
had been at home at the time. Not
but what Margaret's a good house
keeper, for she wouldn't be her moth
er's daughter if she wasn't that, but
it does seem to me queer way to
bring up farmers children, and only
hope they can keep it up There were
no pianos nor French and German In
my young days"
"You ought to hear her playl Ny
landsl" cried young Bartlett, who spoke
for the first time. His admiration for
her accomplishment evidently went
beyond his powers Of expression.
Bartlett himself did not relish the
turn the conversation had taken, and
he looked somewhat uneasily at the
two young strangers. The professors
countenancewaso open and frank, and he
was listening with respectful interest
to Mrs. Bartlett's talk Yates bent
over his plate with flushed face, and
confined himself strictly to the business
IN hand. &. ss Ssh: 3 31 sg
'.I am glad, z said the professor, In
unno,,t1u ~ Ysfaa ssthat ven made the