Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1901-10-11

"Some OF IL u.s." replied Barbara
"But some parts of housework ar,
very interesting. It's not all drudg
cry" she added. looking bravely a
Mr.. Morton, although she was talking
to Miss Dillingham;.
just then some new guests cam,
down the stairs, and the three wer,
pushed into the sitting-room. Mis-!
Dillingham; took advantage of tn,
Barbara and Mr.. Morton together
for n few moments.
"Do you think Miss Dillingham; wa,
little surprised at your occupation
Miss Clarke" Mr.. Morton asked, look
ing AT Barbara intently.
II think so. Nearly every one is
Aren't your" Barbara had not meant
10 be so blunt. The question wa.
uttered before she was aware, and
then she stood more confused thar
at any time during the evening.
Eyes, l am" he answered frankly
refined-and could be-school-teach,
er or-or-a photographer" he add
ed with n smile that somehow re.
lieved both OF them. Instead Of that
you choose to be house servant.
have often wondered why"
Barbara colored. How "often" had
he wondered? But she looked up al
him and then looked down again. His
eyes were very large brown eyes, full
of thought. and Barbara was a little
afraid of them.
81 had TO do something. There
was no school for me. and the stores
did not offer any opportunity for a
living. | chose the work of a servant
because il seemed to me | could at
the same time make a living and do
something for the girls who work
out, because / was one of them"
And can you, do you think?" he
asked, with great interest. But just
then, TO his evident annoyance. one
of those persons who believe in keep
ing people moving on such occasions.
broke in with: "Ah, Morton, so de-
lighted TO see you. A dozen people
right here want TO meet you. Mrs.
Jones, Miss wainwright. Miss Wallace
Mr.. Morton"
Mr.. Morton turned from Barbara
with a parting look and smile that
she thought she had a right to re-
member all the evening, and met tho
persons his friend had mentioned.
Permit me to introduce Miss
u. -
company, and she said . few words
In reply TO . word about the evening
or the weather volunteered by one
OF the ladies. Then they directed all
their remarks to Mr.. Morton; and,
there being no men in the little
group, gradually she found herself
outside the talk; and, as the COM
pany crowded together more in the
room, she was separated from the
rest and found herself alone, with
no one 10 talk 10. Mrs. Vane was
in the parlor, and Barbara awkward
ly stood by herself until the pushing
of people gradually moved her up to
. table where she was glad 10 find
some views to look at.
She was turning them over and
of what Mr.. Morton had
said, when Miss Dillingham; came up
again with an elderly lady dressed in
great elegance like the younger
woman.
Mother wants 10 meet you, Miss
Clark. She wants to talk over the
Miss Dillingham; introduced her
mother, stood listening a few mo-
ments and then went away. When
Barbara saw her again she was again
talking animatedly with Mr.. Morton.
Once they looked over toward her,
and Barbara was certain she was the
subject of their talk. Evidently Miss
was making inquiries
4 bout her.
MY daughter has been telling me
hat your mother was a Dillingham;"
Barbara nodded.
1--WE feel proud of the Dillinghams,"
he old lady said, emphatically. It's
IN old family with a record Your
mother was related TO the Washing
on county branch"
Barbara told her, adding little
Mother is first cousin 10
he Radcliffs." The minute she said
{ she wished she hadn't; il looked
ike an obvious attempt to gain a
Joint socially. Mrs. Dillingham; re-
-arded Barbara with added respect.
The Howard Raucliffs?"
Eyes. The governor is mothers
Iephew."
Gov. Radcliffe"
Yes" Barbara answered
She was vexed with herself now for
Mentioning the fact, and her vexation
vas increased by remembering an
'ther fact, that during all her fathers
financial reverses the Radcliffs had
Oddly refused TO help, and had been
o some extent responsible for her
ither's final losses. She could have
itten her tongue at the thought of
er silly eagerness 10 let this old lady
now that she was some body
Mrs. Dillingham; was looking at her
nth the greatest possible respect.
the first cousinship and the
toward Radcliff connection were con-