New-York tribune., 1907-01-13
Bv CONSTANCE RANDOLPH

deary:' he asked, laying his hand on mine. When
first caught sight OF you, you looked bit dolefu"
It's Barbara" l said, and then read him the
letter. When l finished and looked up Malcolm
had little frown between his eyes
Oh, these women with careers! he exclaimed
q have no patience with them"
But isn't it pity" | said. Barbara is letting
all the real things go, and filling her life with empty
h1sks. l wish she would take life more simply.
1t seems to me woman goes 50 out OF her way to
4 don't think she is happy" Malcolm said
thoughtfullv. That letter has undercurrent
Of restlessness and discQntent;: Her career does
dangerous state of mind, just now"
Il don't care If love is. my life history, and only
episode in yours, l said.
Constance, don't say such things, Malcolm
said, looking hurt. You know my love for YOU and
the boy is the first thing in my life II IS the man
place to protect and for and the earning OF the
wherewthal is simply part OF his love. The idea
OF Barbara saying that you and Dcky only
incidents in my life, subordinate to my career!'
He looked 50 fierce that Laughed Oh / know,
ali about It, dear, SAID gently; Madame dc 9tael
was quite wrong Perhaps love was only an episode
in her French1nen's lives, but in that OF good
American l know II is much more"
Constance" said Malcolm at luncheon, don't
YOU think 1t would be missionary act to ask
OF her ways? 1t seems to me that We are such
a good example Of domestic felicity that We might
persuade her to change her views on lnatrinony. 1t
is worth trying, don't you think!
lust for one second | had little half jealous
feeling. l was afraid Barbara would spoil all my
beautiful quiet life Then the seshness OF 1t came
over me- Barbara was lonely and dlscontented,
though she did not acknowledge 1t even to herself
She was above all Malcolm cousin, and II we could
help her we let all selfish considerations 90.
Long ago | made up my mind not to allow my al
most perfectly happy life in kelnscott to make me
selfish | think happiness sometimes does, most
unfortunately.
So Barbara came to kelInscott on a glorious
August evening at sunset She looked tired and
worn as she left the train; but We drove down
the dear old elm arched all quiet and peace
full in the rosy glow, with the box bordered gardens
gay with midsummer flowers, her face grew softer
and more rested even before reached the house.
Over at nv aunt's the dear old women were stroll
ing in their garden stopping here and there to bend
over a favortc flower prop up delicate plant that
a shower had bent the ground. My next door
neighbor Miss Barber, quaint with crlnollne and
bobbing curls was dantily picking her way down
the path holding her voluminous skirts away from
possible dewiness OF bordering flowers
8" How quaint how charming cried Barbara
q shall write novel about your little Crawford here,
Constance, and put in your delicious nelghbor over
yonder. o
All my indignation rose at this. Oh, you must
not Barbara!" cried Z" | will not have these dear
neghbors of mine carcatured, dragged out Tor all
the world to see and poke fun at. Oh, promise me-
Barbara, you will never put Miss Barber or any OF
the others into story! ~ >,
Barbara turned amused eyes to me- " don
see why YOU should object. Constance, she said
You have such eccentric ideas. The poor old sous
wouldn' t know it. What S the harm!
felt myself stitfen and shrink away from her Tor