The Iola register., 1901-10-18

~
behind your back?"
"You said I was an interesting
girl,'" replied Barbara, still laughing
at Mr.. Somers, who mopped perspira-
tion plentifully.
"Well, you are; at least, so far"
said Mr.. Somers, looking at Barbara
doubtfully. He seemed embarrassed,
, as If he did not know just what to
talk about; and Barbara, who was
perfectly self-possessed, helped him
out by asking him to tell her who
different people were.
Mr.. Somers, who evidently went
out great deal, eagerly took advan-
tage of the opening to give Barbara
several biographical sketches.
THAT old lady over there is Mrs.
Reed. She's the richest woman in
Crawford. That young man leaning
on the piano is Judge Wallace's son.
He's good-looking and knows it. That
little thin lady in the blue dress,
talking with Mrs. Dillingham;, is the
most interesting person in the house,
present company excepted. Her hus-
band lost every oent she had in the
| LODdL Ouh III ldNb year
and shot himself at the bottom OF
one Of 'em. That's Morton. the new
preacher in Marble Square. They say
he can preach people out of the
souudest sleep known to the oldest
inhabitant in Crawford. He's giIted
and not bad-looking. We are said to
resemble each other. The person
right behind you is Miss Cambridge"
What were you saying about me,
MIR. Somers ?" inquired very plain
looking girl very nicely dressed, turn
ing suddenly around.
Mr. Somers was disconnected, but
only for moment.
II was going to say you were the
handsomest girl in the house except
Miss Dillingham;" said Mr.. Somers,
gravely. Let me introduce Miss
Clark, Miss Cambridge"
Miss Cambridge shook hands with
Barbara, and said in low tone: Mrs.
Vane has told me about you" She
seemed to want to meet Barbara, and
Mr.. Somers turned away with pleas
ant word of regret at the Interrupt
ton; but Barbara could not avoid the
impression that he was rather re-
lieved than otherwise not to have to
take her in to refreshments.
Twill you go with me?" Miss Cam
bridge asked, and Barbara gladly con-
sented. The efreshment-room was
filled except two seats. They went
over to them, and il was not until they
were seated that Barbara saw that
Mr.. Morton was next to her with Miss
Dillingham; beside him.
"Hou are having pleasant evening,
| hope?" Mr.. Morton found time to say
while conversation languished a little.
Yes" replied Barbara.
,, 81 hope to know something some
time of the results of your effort to
ennoble service" he said with earnest
ness. Barbara knew the great, kind,
brown eyes were looking straight at
her. She raised her own and looked
into his face. She wondered at her
courage as she did so. For it took
, courage to do it.
81 don't think I shall do anything
, great" she said.
81 think you will he replied, quiet
ly. "I have great -alth in that kind of
life"
There was no opportunity for any
,, thing more, but Barbara cherished
> the few words as if they were of the
utmost importance.
After they came out OF The re fresh
mcnt-room something separa; her
. from Miss Cambridge, who lad not
proved as much interested as Barbara
had imagined she might be; and again
she was left to herself. For the first
time during the evening she began to
notice that she was attracting consid-
4, cradle attention. Standing in the cor
ner by the door of the conservatory,
she could not help hearing some one
say: Mrs. Nane has no right to go
such lengths. 1t is the last time / ac-
cept any of her invitations. The idea
. of inviting hired girls to gatherings
;. like this! 1t is simply an insult to all
the guests!"
: "But the girl seems well-behaved
!, enough" said a male voice.
every pretty, too" said another.
at may be, but it's no place for her.
: It's an unheard-of thing for Mrs. Vane
J. to do. She's done some very queer
|, things, but this is the worst"
: II don't KNOW spoke up voice
= that Barbara recognized as belonging
to Mr. Somers. "a well-behaved hired
girl is less Objectionable than a
drunken count. That's what we had
u at Newport last winter at the Lynd'
i hursts'. But then, suppose he knew
, his place all right"
Barbara found an opening and
moved away. The rest of the even
ing she was conscious of being largely
+ let alone. There was no coarse or vul-
. gar objection to her; but very many OF
Mrs. Vane's guests showed their feel
. ings in a way, several of them said
I afterwards, So that Mrs. Vane would
t-.t'