The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1902-01-10

drudgery was suggestion of such re-
lief that she knew it came to her that
her decision was almost made up to
take Barbara even if the circum-
stances in the girls life were strange
and unusual. Barbara suddenly
helped her to make the decision final.
'Of course, / am ready to be taken
on trial. At the end of week or a
month, if you are not satisfied, I shall
expect you to say SO, and that will
end it."
How much do you expect week?"
Mrs. Ward asked, slowly.
Barbara colored. She had never
been asked the question before.
81 don't know. Perhaps you cannot
tell until you find out how much l am
worth to you"
"Shall we say four dollars to begin
with? We have paid more than that
but
81 will begin on that" replied Bar
bara, quietly. ''Now, of course, if 1
come, you will let me know exactly
what my duties are, so that there
may be no mistakes on my part"
Barbara had a good deal of shrewd
business sense inherited from her IA
Their.
"Of course" replied Mrs. Ward, al
most sharply.
"About my staying in the house"
began Barbara. II would much prefer
to go home at night, to be with my
mother"
81 don't think that can be managed"
Mrs. Ward spoke with some irritation.
81 shall need you in the evening very
often"
1--WE can arrange that after come"
Barbara spoke gently again. THAT is,
if 1 am to come"
"Yes-yes'-Mrs. Ward looked at
Barbara very sharply-"yes, you can
come on trial; I am glad to get any
one"
Barbara colored again, and the 9TH
er woman saw it.
"Of course, did not meant mean
am just about discouraged over my
houseke ping, and I am nearly down
sick over it,
81 am very sorry" replied Barbara,
gravely. Mrs. Ward looked at her
doubtfully. 1t was one woman's SYM
pa thy for another spoken in four short
words, but the older woman had had
her faith in servants so rudely broken
SO many times that she could not at
once accept the sympathy as real. She
kept coldly silent as Barbara rose.
"ShalFI come in the morning?" she
asked.
eyes. saw nine o'clock
81 will bring Prof. Whites letters
then"
Mamma" cried Carl, at that mo-
ment appearing at the head of the
stairs, Lewis wants to know if that
hired girl is going to"
There was a muffied cry from the
bedroom upstairs as Carl suddenly dis
appeared, dragged back into the room
by the older brother. Barbara smiled,
and said Good night" and went out,
Saying to herself as she went down the
steps: "After all, the dragon was not
so bad as feared. / feel rather sorry
for the dragon keeper. Mrs. Ward her
SELF" on whose character and prob
able behavior, together with that of
her family, Barbara gravely dwelt as
she walked home.
She grew quite animated as she told
her mother the story of her adventures
so far. The matter of staying with
her mother evenings was a subject of
earnest discussion. Both agreed that
| it must be managed if possible. Bar
bara went over the interview and gave
her mother the best possible picture
of Mrs. Ward.
81 am sure we shall get on very well.
She is tired-out woman, irritable be-
cause of her nerves. But / am sure she
is good woman when she is WE'LL
Barbara concluded, innocently. "The
children. will bother me, / have no
doubt. But I know I can get on.
saw only one child. He has roguish
face, but not bad at all. Oh, the dragon
| is not what he's painted, mother"
Mot yet" said Mrs. Clark, in
prophecy.
"No, not yet" answered Barbara,
| cheerfully. She felt almost light
hearted to think she had a position,
even if it was only that of servant.