Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1904-10-26

their hearts so well, and loving you
as do, want to see a tie knit be-
tween YOU"
away with tears in her eyes. II mar
ried you and l promise nothing as to
them," she answered rebelliously.
She was a beautiful young creature,
the minister's wife; tall, slender, and
golden-haired, but whether or not she
would be the helpmeet the minister
needed in the years to come, was q
question. And yet it was such a pleas
ure only to look at her as she sat in
the corner of the pew on Sundays in
her well-fitting suit and pretty hat.
And when she sang, for she had a
beautiful and highly cultivated voice,
every eye turned to where she stood.
Yes, they were proud of her, these
care-burdened, common people, and
they did not blame her if she did not
care for them as friends. They were
different and they realized it, very Of
ten too with sharp feeling of pain
as she passed them with only nod
OF greeting and with barely a touch
OF her well-gloved hand.
What do you think Mrs. Harper is
making for the minister's wife?''
asked Mrs. Wilkins of Mrs. Dodge one
afternoon as they met on the street.
I'm sure don't know" was the re-
ply.
"A knitted Counterpart" announced
Mrs. wilkins, and her hands are so
crippled by rheumatism too. Why.
every stitch she takes must pain her,
l don't see how she can do it, for the
minister's wife never notices her ex-
cept by nod. l don't believe she'll
ever use it after she gets it, either
added Mrs. Wilkins soberly. "She's
dreadful particular about her beds,
and uses only the finest Marseilles
spreads. Sarah Ann Newton told me
so, for I've never seen 'em. I've tried
my best but never got further than
the front room yet"
Mrs. Dodge smiled a little. "She
isn't so very sociable, is she?" she
said; still, perhaps we expect too
much"
Mrs. Wilkins did not deign a reply.
''Old Mrs. Harper just set on maxim
that counterpart" she continued, land
givin' it too. It's pretty and there's
lots Of work about it. Well, we'll, l
hope she won't get her feelin's hurt
before it's through with. She's Won
derin' too, now that it's so near done,
how she'll present it,"
I'D like the best in the world to
get up pound party for the minister
this fall said Mrs. Dodge thought
fully. He is so fond of my peach pre-
serves and l would like him to have
some. but do you know, I'm most
afraid|'
Mrs. Wilkins looked sympathetic.
so am H. she admitted frankly, land
I had such good luck with my chilli
sauce. I could take that as my offer
ing, but his wife,
There was a pause. Lets have it
anyway" said Mrs. Dodge rehectively,
and then Mrs. Harper can give her
COuNlclpdue.
And SO it was arranged.
The minister was studying a new
book that evening. Near him sat
his wife reading some letters from
home. AS she folded them up her eyes
wandered idly over the well-warmed,
pleasant rooms. Every one speaks
at home as if were working right
with Bertram," she thought. Il Won
der if they realize what kind of men,
bers we have, if they would expect it?
I don't see why I need be public prop
erty just because happen to be a
minister's wife, and they're not my
equals"
Just then the door bell rang. The
minister looked across at his wife
with a fond smile. Don't get up,
julia" he said, 'I'll CO.,
He laid down his book, went to the
door, and opened it. The yard and
porch were full of people. They greet
Cd him warmly, for every one loved
the minister. Each person had a par
eel.
why, what is this?" cried the min
;ster merrily. "Come in! come i'm"
and then he thought of his wife.
They entered the beautiful rooms
hesitatingly, and the minister, seeing
It, strove to put them at their ease
At that moment his wife came for
ward, her lovely face, above the pref
~ gown, looking colder than ever.
what does this intrusion mean,"
she thought bitterly. Gam I never
TO have moment to myself?"
She greeted them, but with no
warmth, and they, feeling it, passed
silently on into the kitchen, laying
their generous offerings on the table.
I'm going home" whispered Mrs.
Wilkins to Mrs. Dodge, "she don't want
us. Why did we ever attempt such a
thing; we ought to have known bet
ter"
But Mrs. Dodge held her back.
wait just a minute she entreated.
Your going will only make things
worse"
The minister threw himself glori-
ously into the breach. It was painful
but he made gallant effort. During
one of the lulls, old Mrs. Harper crept
up to him. She laid a bundle in his
hands. "For your wife, she whis-
pered.
The minister's wife was across the
room. The minister looked at the
tall, slender figure that to him had
never before held itself quite so erect.
Julia" he called with a gaydty
hat was all assumed, give package
for you from our dear Mrs. Harper,
ond I'm oo;no. IN r,no.a II horo