Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1901-07-26
CHAPTER III.
SERVICE is ROYAL.

church was about half way down the
aisle and in the body of the house. AS
Barbara walked down the aisle she was
conscious of feeling of excitement
hardly warranted by the event. AS
she passed into the pew first, leading
Carl after her, as the arrangement of
seating had been planned by Mrs.
Ward, she noticed Mrs. Wards face.
1t was very grave, and there was again
present in it that uncertain element
which had set Barbara to guessing
once OF twice how far her mistress
| would venture to cooperate with her
in the matter of solving the questions
belonging to housekeeping.
But Barbara was q young woman
with good reserve of common sense,
and she at once dismissed all foolish
| speculations and resolutely gave her
thoughts to the service of the hour.
She was naturally and healthily reli-
gious and was prepared to enter into
the worship with no other thought ex-
cept her need of communion and devo-
ton and reception of truth.
| When the minister came out of his
study room into the pulpit Barbara no
ticed look of surprise on several
faces near her. She heard the lady in
the pew next to her say in whisper
to another: "Where is DR.. Law to-
day?"
He is in Carlton. This must be Nor
ton, their new minister
"He looks very young. Do you sup
pose he can preach any?"
Barbara did not hear the answer, but
she had not been able to avoid making
a comment to herself on the youthful
appearance of the minister. But when
he began the service by giving out the
first hymn the impression of extreme
youthfulness disappeared. He had a
good voice and quiet, modest, rever-
ent manner that Barbara liked. His
prayer helped her. And when he began
to preach there was simplicity and
earnestness about his delivery that
was very attractive. He did not try
to say too much. The sermon was
written, but the reader had evidently
tried to avoid being SO closely confined
to the pages as to lose certain neces-
sary sympathy with his hearers which
the use of the eye alone can secure.
Barbara was really interested in the
entire sermon, and as whole it helped
her. Her happily trained religious ma
ture had taught her to look with hor-
ror upon the common habit of criti-
cism and comparison when attending
. church service. The main object of
going to church was to get help to be
better Christian, she had often said
in little debates over such subjects
while in college. If the sermon was
learned and eloquent and interesting
as we'll as helpful, so much the better.
But, if it had every quality except
helpfulness, it missed the mark. To
be able to say after hearing sermon:
THAT has helped me to be better per-
son this week" is really the same thing
as declaring that the sermon was a
good sermon. Anything that helps life
is great. All sermons that give cour-
age or peace OF joy, or inspire to
greater love to God and neighbor, are
great sermons.
So Barbara was lifted up by the
message of the morning; and when
the service was closing, during the
hush that succeeded the benediction,
as the congregation remained seated
for moment, she uttered prayer
of Thanksgiving and a prayer of petit
ton for patience and wisdom in the
life she had chosen, much blessed and
comforted by the service of the morn.
ing.
AS Barbara came out into the aisle
again, Mrs. Ward was standing near
the end Of the pew opposite. She
beckoned to Barbara.
II want to introduce Miss Clark tc
| you, Mrs. Nane."
Il An elderly woman with very keen
blue eyes, and the sharpest look out
of them that Barbara had even seen
spoke to her abruptly but kindly as
she came up, Carl still clinging to her
Every glad to see you, Miss Clark
You must come in and see us some
afternoon or evening. o, know who
you are, just servant; and we are
rich, aristocratic folks and all that
My grandfather was blacksmith in
Connecticut. His ancestors were
from Vanes of Arlie in Scotland
Good, honest, working people as far
as can ascertain. / want you to
meet Miss Barnes, who is helping US
at present"
She introduced the young woman
who was standing behind her. and
Barbara somewhat shyly shook hands
with heavy-faced girl, who, how.
ever, smiled a little. Barbara was
astonished at Mrs. Nane, and instant.
ly concluded that she was character
in the Marble Square church and in
Crawford, as indeed she was.
My father and Mr.. Vane were in
college together" Barbara said, as
they moved down the aisle.
Are you sure?" The sharp eyes
seemed to look barbara through.