The Indianapolis journal., 1902-09-07

By
BEATRICE WHITBY.

pleasing. The boy had good manners. He
had been drilled into politeness from his
infancy. Politeness was a necessity OF
existence in his pleasure-loving, conven-
tional, luxurious home.
At the rectory manners, as manners, were
not cultivated. Mrs. Nesbit was as natural
as woman could be. She was puzzled and
uncertain at this moment, and she did not
pretend to be anything else.
II hear you want Barbara, Roddie?' sne
said. "You want her to stay vfth your
Roddie had a great many reasons Tor
wanting Barbara. and he stated them all
gravely one by one.
Barbara collects stamps and birds eggs,
Barbara plays music. Barbara wants 10 De
out all day like do. She generally does
everything just what like. would rather
have Barbara than Algie Wallace wouio
rather have Barbara than any one. 1 told
mother so, and mother said she'd persuade
you, Mrs. Nesbit. Has she persuaded your?
Mrs. Nesbit knitted her brows
You have such lot Of people at the
rectory." urged the boy, land 1 have no
one. Can't you spare Barbara
1--WE will call her to come here, Roddie-
she shall decide"
LET Roddie fetch her.
where is she?" asked the boy, eagerly.
"She is feeding the pigs"
Roddie curled his aristocratic little nose
up expressively.
81 would rather she was called he said.
Il don't nke-pigs."
"Barbara!" Mrs. Nesbit raised her rich
voice; Ii carried far and wide. Barbara,
Barbara She called.
A minute later the animated mushroom
reappeared round the corner of the herba-
ceous border in response to the summons,
and now that unsavory pigs did not inter-
vene Roddie ran to meet his approaching
favorite, and had told her why he was
there, and what he wanted of her. and all
about it, before the little maiden reached
the authorities.
When Barbara came near she lost all re-
semblance to a mushroom. Under the brim
of the broad white hat clustered masses
of bright soft, curly hair. Her little face
was earnest, expressive, full of childish,
| innocent sagacity; her eyes were light eyes.
her lashes dark and thick. She was en-
| barrassed by her position, and her mouth
was troubled. 1t had lost its firm line. and
| the lips trembled.
host, her character was every whit as
strong as his, but the edifying influence Of
seven elder brothers and sisters had whole
somely disciplined her tenacious little will.
IF you come, Curly, you shall ride White
| legs; you shall do everything you like"
Roddie was saying as the children came in
to earshot. You can do lessons. but not
too many. Mother says we must do lessons,
or you can't come
Curly forgot her manners; she only greet
ed Lady st. John with wistful, puzzled
| stare.
Her holland pinafore was crumpled.
stained green here and there with a COM
bination of dew and cabbage. Fastidious
Lady st. John saw the dirt, and yet she
knew what her boy meant when he said
that he "llked Barbara best"-he wanted
| Bar ibara." There was an attraction in the
steadfast child, who had the strongly
marked individuality of character of her
mother, the same rich, low voice, the truth
and naturalness, the same winning ways
that, had Mrs. Nesbit had time or inclina-
ton to win so enviable a position, would
have made her the most popular woman In
the county.
shall go and stay with Roddie, moth
er?" Barbara asked, turning her shoulder
on Roddie, and addressing Mrs. Nesbit.
Must go? Do you want me to go?"
"Roddie will be alone. Barbara, and he
wants you."
"How long does he want me?'
"I want you all the time,' Roddie cried.
She shook her head with decision.
"I can't come all the time-Tve such a
Ot of things To do"
Roddie slashed irritabIy at his CATERS
with his riding whip.
DO" he said. 1--WE told you you can do
| what you like. You can do anything. You
can ride Whitelegs"
| Curly Locks dropped her eyes on the
grass. She liked Roddie, she liked riding
Whitelegs; but Roddie, though he loved
Curly dearly. yet, as some men treat their
well-beloved womenkind. he treated her
When he was in a good mood to tease, he
teased her. loving her still. and never
dreaming that teasing Is unpleasant, and
may be resented.
| Curly, as her sex will, tried to evade
Roddies teasing. found it impossible tc
evade, so bore it stoically. not openly re-
belling, but secretly restive. so that heI
| affection for her tormentor cooled.
Roddie was very KIND Somet1mes-the
sometimes was irreparably damaging tc
the warmth of her love for the boy.
Mrs Nesbit looked at her watch.
barbara, you are to decide"
Curly, don't say Mo- it isn't long. They
are only going to be away six weeks
Roddie's anxiety could not but be fiat.
tering to the little girl.
'It will be very good of you to keep poor
Roddie company" said his mother. gently
Barbara raised her eyes, her expression
baffied Roddie.
'rn come" she said. with smile; ''thani
you very much for asking me. I'll come
Roddie rode home in wild spirits; he was
shouting the nursery rhyme that he alway:
applied to Barbara Nesbit on his way:
Curly Locks. Curly Locks,
| Wilt thou be mine?
| Thou shalt not wash dishes,
Nor yet feed the swine;
| But sit on a cushion
And sew a fine seam.
And feed upon strawberries.
Sugar and cream.
Twenty years later. Twenty years haC
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