The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1902-04-25
BORN TO SERVE
By Charles NJ. Sheldon.
Author of "1N HIS STEPS. ''"JoHN KINGS
QUESTION CLASS, - edward
BLAKE Etc.
CHAPTER VIII.-CoNTINUED.
Copyright, 1900, by Charles N. sheldon.)

There was little embarrassment at
the first greeting with the Wards, but
it soon passed off and in few mo-
ments the young minister was chat
ting delightfully."-. His happiness was
on his face and in his manner. He
had never looked so noble or so hand
some, Barbara's heart said to herself,
almost wondering whether it was all
dream from which she would soon
be rudely awakened. But it was no
dream like that. Her heart sang as
she began to realize its reality.
30, by the way" Mr.. Ward said sud-
denly, turning to his wife, Martha,
how about that rule that we made
long ago, that the hired girl should re-
ceive her company in the kitchen?
Why did I go to all the expense of
furnishing that new kitchen if the girl
is going to sit here in the parlor?"
Mr.. Morton jumped to his feet, and
walked over to Barbara.
Come, Barbara" he said, with a
touch of humor that equaled the occa-
sion. "Come out into the kitchen
where we belong. This is no place for
u.s."
Barbara rose, blushing and laugh
ing.
Yes, I see. Just an excuse to get
rid of us" Mr.. Ward said, as the lovers
walked out.
eve want to live up to the rule of
the house." Mr.. Morton retorted.
They went out into the room where
Barbara had spent so many hours of
hard toll and, when they were alone,
the minister said: "Dear, do you
know, this room is a sacred spot to
me? 1 have thought of you as being
here more than anywhere else"
IF had known that" Barbara said,
gently, and she ND longer avoided the
loving brown eyes that looked down
at her, cit would have lightened good
many weary hours. 1 feel ashamed
now to think of the quantities of tears
l have shed in this little room"
"The thought that your life has
gone out in service here, Barbara, is
beautiful thought to me. What a
wonderful thing it is to be of use in
the world! I thank God my mother
brought me up to reverence the labor
of the hand in honest toll. There is
nothing more sacred in all of human
life"
Then they talked of their love for
each other, and were really startled
when the door suddenly opened and
Mr.. Ward called out from the entry:
Gas and coal come high this winter.
You can draw your own inference"
They rose, laughing, and came back
into the parlor, where Mrs. Ward
apologized for Mr.. Wards interrupt
ton.
Don't say a word, Mrs. Ward"
Morton said, gayly. 81 shall soon have
Barbara all to myself"
How soon?"
81 don't know quite" Mr.. Morton
looked at Barbara.
There will be mourning in this
household when she goes" Mrs. Ward
replied. 81 never expect to have an
other girl like Barbara"
I'm sorry for you, but you can't ex-
pect me to feel any sorrow for my
self"
Yes, that's it," Mr.. Ward put in,
ironically. you preachers are al
ways talking about sacrifice, and Civ
ing up, and all that. I notice that
when it comes to personal applica.
tios. you are just as grasping after
the best there is az anybody"
"Of course" said Morton, cheerful.
ly, looking at Barbara.
He is going to suffer for it
though" Barbara came to the rescue
of Mr.. Ward. He may lose his church
just as you are going to lose me-"
81 don't think So" Mortar answered