Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-02-04

I'll manage somehow" Mrs. Ward
spoke kindly, and Barbara was on the
point of thanking her and accepting
the permission, when she noted Mrs.
Wards pale face and nervous manner.
She had been suffering all the morning
from one of her wretched headaches.
THANK you," replied Barbara, quiz
city; ''but I prefer not to. I'll be back
In time to get supper"
do just as you please" Mrs. Ward
replied, but Barbara detected a look
of relief on her tired face al she went
out.
Mrs. Vane was at home and well
coined Barbara heartily.
I'm all alone here, and you're just
the person I want to see. Went to
call on your mother yesterday. She
Is lonesome, and I've asked her to
come and pay me visit of . week
or month, just as she feels. I find
that Thomas for some reason never
heard of your fathers death. Such
things will happen even in world Of
newspapers and telegraphs. I want
you to tell me all about yourself and
your plans. I don't believe you can
do a thing, but I am ready to help
you if you're the girl think you are.
The Vanes always were proud and
aristocratic people; but, if we have
! ever stood up for one thing more than
another, it was for honest labor in the
house or the field or the shop or any
where. hate the aristocracy of doing
| nothing. All my boys learned trade,
and all my girls can cook just as well
rs they can play the piano, and some
of EN- better. I'd rather eat their pie
than hear their piano. Sit right there,
dear, and be comfortable"
Barbara had not been in the house
half an hour before she was deeply
In love with the lady of it. After an
hour had passed she was astonished
At Mrs. Vane's knowledge OF human
nature and her grasp of the subject of
servants and housekeeping problems
generally.
'People will tell you, my dear, that
am an eccentric old lady with good
many crank notions about servants.
The fact is, I try to treat them just
rs Christ taught us to do. That's the
reason folks call me queer. People
That try to do the Christlike thing
| in all relations of life have always
been called queer, and always will be-"
When Barbara finally went away
after refusing an urgent invitation to
remain to tea, she had made an ar
rangement with Mrs. Vane to meet
| with her and Mrs. Ward and friend
| of both, to talk over some practical
plan for getting the servants and the
housekeepers together for mutual
| conference.
"1f anything is doae," Mrs. Vane in
sisted, lit must be done with both
parties talking it over in a spirit of
Christian love. It never can be solved
In any other way"
The date fixed for the conference
| was two weeks from that afternoon,
| and Barbara went back to her work
quite enthusiastic over the future and
| very much in love with the woman who
was known to most of the members of
Marble Square church as "that eccen-
trio Mrs. Vane."
The two weeks had gone by quickly,
and Thursday noon at dinner in the
Ward house Barbara was surprised to
find, when she came in to serve the
first course, that Alfred Ward had I'M
expectedly arrived. He had spent two
months of his summer vacation with
college classmates on tho lakes, and
had returned sooner than his mother
! had expected, to stay until the term
opened again.
arthur, this is Miss Clark, about
whom have written you," Mrs. Ward
said, a little awkwardly.
The young man looked at her with
interest, and bowed politely. Barbara
; returned his bow simply, and did not
speak. She felt little annoyed as
the meal proceeded and she was called
IN at different times. She thought the
family was talking about her, and that
the college student had been asking
questions. Several times she was con-
scious that he was looking at her. It
j vexed her, although his look was al
ways respectful. s.. 49,, :*:.... ~. ~. e
The meal was almost over when Mrs.
Ward suddenly asked his wife: 20,
have you heard, Martha, that DR.. Law
had q stroke yesterday? Very sud-
den. It will result III his leaving Mar
BILE Square pulpit" <:.S. Z: I. f.
NO! How suddenl What will the
church do q ..,s=a s: z .sS =.:z$ 9TH.
I /. Mr.. Ward was silent . moment. Bar
bara was just going out. She slack
ened her step almost unconsciously.
= have no question they win sall
Norton. Il s.s5 .@2s.s
III he come p ME-.
RE- think he will :