Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1901-08-30

Blessed believe like Barbara's! Truly
can 1t be said of such love, it "beareth
all things, believeth all things, hopeth
all things, endureth all things. Love
never faileth."
When Mr.. Ward came home at night,
he soon learned the news. Barbara had
no silly or false sentiment, and she had
agreed with Mr.. Morton that the fact
of the engagement and near marriage
need not be kept secret from anyone,
even for a short time So Mrs. Ward
told her husband. He was not sur
prised. He had anticipated 1t.
eyes, you're going to leave us, Jus.
like all the rest he said, in his banter
ing fashion, when Barbara came in
with some dishes to set the table. Mr..
Ward was In the readingroonA and
barbara stepped to the door and greet
ed him. Gone of the roles of your now
training-school ought to be, No girl
who graduates from this school to go
out to service shall be allowed to get
engaged or married for at least five
years. What is going to become of all
the competent girls if all follow your
bad example?"
"I'm sure don't know" Barbara
answered, demurely.
won't you and Morton take us in to
board when you begin housekeeping?
I'm SO used to your cornbread mullins
and coffee for breakfast that 1 know
l shall never be able to put up with
any other kind"
Il don't know" Barbara replied,
laughing. sit is possible that we may
have hired girl ourselves"
DO you think SOP" Mr. Ward said,
with pretended joy. %"Then Mrs.
Ward and l shall have our revenge on
you for deserving us, for you will then
have the agony of the servant girl
problem on your own hands and know
how it is from the other side OF the
house."
perhaps that is one of the reasons
I am going to have home of my own,
Mr.. Ward. l shall be able to sec the
question from both standpoints."
II hope you'll be spared our trou-
bles," Mr.. Ward spoke in really Sc
rious tone this time. Then he added
with great heartiness; 1.-THE Lord
bless you, Barbara. You have been
like daughter to u.s." He choked as
he remembered Carl in Barbara's arms
just little before he passed over.
I'VE shall miss you dreadfully. But
we shall bid you God-speed. 1 don't
know what the rest Of Marble Square
church will do, but you know that Mrs
Ward and myself will be loyal to our
minister's WIFE"
20, l thank you, Mr.. Ward. It means
everything to me-" and Barbara re-
tired somewhat hastily to the kitchen,
where some tears of joy and feeling
dropped on the familiar old table
where Carl had SO often sat watching
her at work.
That evening Mr.. Morton called.
Barbara had finished her work, and
was sitting with the family as her
custom was, when Morton came in.
There was little embarrassment at
the first greeting with the Wards, but
it soon passed off and in few mo-
ments the young minister was chat
ting delightfully."-. His happiness was
on his face and in his manner. He
had never looked so noble or so hand
some, Barbara's heart said to hers self,
almost wondering whether it was all
dream from which she would soon
be rudely awakened. But it was no
dream like that. Her heart sang as
she began to realize its reality.
20, by the way" Mr.. Ward said sud
denly, turning to his wife, Martha,
how about that rule that we made
long ago, that the hired girl should re-
ceive her company in the kitchen7
Why did go to all the expense OF
furnishing that new Kitchen If the girl
is going to ait here In the parlor?"
Mr.. Morton jumped to his feet, and
walked over to Barbara.
Come, Barbara" he said, with a
touch of humor that equaled the occa-
sion. "Come out into the kitchen
where we belong. This is no place for
u.s."
Barbara rose, blushing and laugh
ing.
Eyes, I see. Just an excuse to get
rid of us" Mr.. Ward said, as the lovers
walked out.
I'VE want to live up to the rule of
the house." Mr.. Morton retorted.
They went out into the room where
Barbara had spent SO many hours of
hard toll and, when they were alone,
the minister said: Dear, do you