Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1902-03-21

80 our Father" he cried, and his
voice brought relief even in that
moment of sharp sorrow to the fam
lily. "mercifully reveal to us the hap
piness of the soul Thou hast just
caughtup into Thy bosom. We know he
is safe in Thy arms. Comfort us with
the comfort which earth does not
have to give; take us also into the
embrace of love which gave an only
begotten Son for dying and mourn
this household. In the name of Christ,
Amen"
Two days later, after the funeral
service, at which Mr.. Morton was
present as pastor and friend, Mrs.
Ward broke down completely and
went to bed, leaving the. care of the
house and the family upon Barbara.
The girl bore up under the respon-
sibility bravely. She was conscious
of the fact that she was necessary to
the comfort of a home. The bonds
of her service rested lightly on her,
because she knew she was of use in
the kingdom of God.
The relation between Mrs. Ward and
Barbara during those days of grief
became very close and affectionate
Through all the older woman's nerv-
Gus and even irritable illness Barbara
nursed and attended her with adj
mirable patience, giving her the best
possible care and trying to relieve
her of every possible anxiety as to
the affairs of the house itself
you have been like a daughter to
me, Barbara" Mrs. Ward said to her
one day three weeks after Carts
death. 81 do not know what would
have become of us if you had not
come back" Barbara was arranging
her pillow; and, as she stopped down
over her, Mrs. Ward put an arm
about Barbara's neck, drew her down,
and kissed her. When Barbara raised
her head, the tears shone on her
face.
Service has been very sweet to me,
Mrs. Ward, since L returned. I have
liked to believe that I have been
needed"
"You have been wonderful COM
fort to us. You are like one of the
family since CARTS leaving US. We
shall never forget how he loved you"
ut will always be a very tender
memory to me-" Barbara replied, and
the tears of the two women flowed to-
gether. tears that brought comfort to
them and at the same time united
their sympathy for each other.
That evening, when Mr.. Ward came
up after his supper with Lewis (for
Alfred had gone back to college), Mrs.
Ward said, after expressing her
thanks that she was recovering
strength rapidly: Richard, we owe
Barbara a great deal for all she has
done for us in our trouble. Isn't
there something we can do to show
it q"
eve certainly feel grateful to her."
Mr.. Ward said, with thoughtful eager
ness. "What do you think we can
do?"
There's that money Aunt Wallace
left you in trust two years ago to edu-
cate Carl when he should be ready to
enter college," Mrs. Wards voice
faltered. ''By the terms of the trust
the money can now be used for any
benevolent or philanthropic purpose.
l have heard Barbara mention plan
that might succeed if it were wisely
carried out. She thinks that if
building were put up in Crawford and
dedicated to the training of young
women for domestic service, prepar-
ing them for competent cooks and
housekeepers, that great deal might
be done to elevate the labor of the
kitchen and bring intelligent Amer
lean girls into it. What do you think?"
81 think it is highly probable. At
any rate. anything is preferable to the
condition of things we endured before
ID hi &c
trying that will by any possibility tend
to help matters"
"How much is Aunt Wallace's leg
acy?"
cit amounts to about $500 now.
That would not go far toward such a
building as Barbara probably has in
mind''
mo, but it would be beginning,
and I think know where I could get
more to go with it," Mrs. Ward was
growing very interested! and Mr..
Ward was obliged to caution her
against excitement; SO the matter
was dropped there.
But in few days Mrs. Ward brought
it up again in Barbara's presence.
'I think something could be done
with a properly equipped building"
Barbara said in answer to a question
put by Mrs. Ward. They had discussed
the matter several times before Mrs.
Vane's invitation to Barbara to come
to her evening gathering. Mrs. Ward
had not yet limited at any means for
realizing such project.
"How much do you suppose such
building would cost?" Mrs. Ward
asked, noting Barbara's growing in
terest.
80, I've no real idea. Almost any
amount. It would cost good deal to
maintain IL also The greatest diff