The Iola register., 1901-10-18

Mr.. Morton, although she was talking
to Miss Dillingham;.
just then some new guests came
down the stairs, and the three were
pushed into the sitting-room Miss
Dillingham; took advantage Of the
movement to excuse herself, and left
Barbara and Mr.. Morton together
for a few moments.
"Do you think Miss Dillingham; was
little surprised at your occupation,
Miss Clarke" Mr.. Morton asked, look
ing at Barbara intently.
"I think so. Nearly every one is.
Aren't you?" Barbara had not meant
to be so blunt. The question was
uttered before she was aware, and
| then she stood more confused than
at any time during the evening.
"Yes, am" he answered frankly.
"Of course, you are educated and
refined-and could be-school-teach-
er or--or-a photographer" he add
ed with smile that somehow re-
lieved both Of them. Instead of that
you choose to be a house servant.
have often wondered why"
Barbara colored. How "often" had
he wondered? But she looked up at
him and then looked down again. His
eyes were very large brown eyes, full
of thought. and Barbara was little
afraid of them
"I had to do something. There
was no school for me, and the stores
did not offer any opportunity for
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 parting look and smile that
she thought she had a right to re-
member all the evening, and met the
persons his friend had mentioned.
"Permit me to introduce Miss
Clark" He presented Barbara to the
company, and she said a few words
in reply to word about the evening
or the weather volr~'"o~"d wv 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 to talk to. Mrs. Nane 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 to find
some views to look at.
She was turning them over and
thinking 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 to meet you, Miss
Clark. She wants to talk over the
Dillinghams."
; Miss Dillingham; introduced hel
, mother, stood listening a few mo
ments and then went away. WheI
Barbara saw her again she was agar
talking animatedly with Mr.. Morton
Once they looked over toward her
and Barbara was certain she was tn,
subject of their talk. Evidently Mis-
Dillingham; was making inquired
about her.
"My daughter has been telling mi
that your mother was a Dillingham;.
Barbara nodded.
1--WE feel proud of the Dillinghsms,
the old lady said, emphatically. "Iti
an old family with a record. You
mother was related to the Washing
ton county branch"
Barbara told her, adding a littl
proudly: Mother is first cousin t.
the Radcliffs." The minute she salt
it she wished she hadn't; it looked
point socially. Mrs. Dillingham; re
garded Barbara with added respect.
"The Howard Raucliffs?"
yes. The governor is mother
nephew"
"Gov. Radcliff2"
YES" Barbara answered.
She was vexed with herself now TO
D mentioning the fact, and her veXatiol
was increased by remembering an
other fact, that during all her father
: financial reverses the Radcliffs hat
coldly refused to help, and had bee
i to some extent responsible for he
I fathers final losses. She could hay
e bitten her tongue at the thought o
her silly eagerness to let this old lad.
n know that she was somebody.
l. Mrs. Dillingham; was looking at he
with the greatest possible respect
r Evidently the first cousinship and tn
d Howard Radcliff connection were cor
= nections of the highest Importance.
i "Your father is dead, Alice tells mt
e. Then Vou are living with your moth