The Holbrook news., 1910-02-04
RELATIONS BY FRIENDSHIP.
Helenu Finally Found One Woman
 Who "Understood."

Helena Finally Found One Woman
 Who "UnderstOod."
 Paul." said Helena, so suddenly that her brother almost jumped. Paul, want to give some parties"
 Good idea" said Paul, cordially, re- turning to his book
 Yes, but, Paul, do listen I really want to give some nice ones. People have been so good to us ever since we've been in Hillsover that I think we ought to begin to return their kind ness. They can't be anything elabor- ate, of course, because we haven't a maid, and really. we haven't any lavish amount of money, either. Housekeeping dreadfully expensive 1 here. But they all understand, and something simple" her voice dropped off into thoughtful silence
 ''Oh, go ahead" said Paul, reassur- ingly. "They know I'm only instruct or, and they won't expect nightingales' tongues, even if I do teach Latin And you used to get up corking chafing dish suppers when I was at college. Whom are you going to have?'
 Well, your department, of course, and the Bickfords-they've been the incest of all-and the Smiths and the Truemans and the Dean and Mrs. Sedgewick-he's a dear, and she's whole lesson in living-and oh, every bodyi"
 After her brother had gone to rec itation. Helena sat down to make out her list.
 "I won't telephone them" she said. half-aloud That's a little too in- formal I'll just make what Paul calls personally conducted canvass and ask them myself
 List in hand, she started out in her prettiest frock and with happy antici- patton written in every curve of ner smiling face.
 My dear. it's awfully good of you" said Mrs. Bickford, when Helena asked her. But don't feel that you must have us! You haven't any Snaid. and in this heat"
 But" began Helena. flushing a little, I've kept house for years. you know, and really, Paul is so easy to satisfy that I don't have hard time at all And I'd love to be nice to all of you, you've been so good to usl" And then Mrs. Bickford hesitatingly consented.
 At most of the houses the girl met the same well meant, reluctant accept ances; every one was afraid that she would overdo," and repeated in diff ferent ways what she knew already that she had no maid" and that the weather was abominably hot"
 At the deans house she paused a moment in perplexity.
 'Is it worth while going in?" she questioned They mean to be kind, I know, but can't they understand that I want to do my part, too?"
 Mrs. Sedgewick met her cordially at the door She was large, fair wom- an. eminently lorabie. Helena always thought of her house as safe harbor of souls.
 Mrs. Sedgewick." she began, doubt fully, we're giving a little piazza sup per Wednesday night. Will you and the dean come?"
 Why, dear child, we'd love to-, an- swered Mrs Sedgewick. blithely. I've been hoping you'd ask ns; and your piazza is really the prettiest in all Hillsover for summer supper.
 ''It will be very. simple. haven't maid. you know" warned Helena, but her spirits were rising.
 "All the more fun said Mrs. Sedge- wick, laughing. And you're so clever you'll smanage it easily"
 Helena rose to go; her eyes were full of tears. Impulsively she turned to the older woman.
 Why don't you discourage me like the others; tell me that it's too hard, that I haven't a maid and all the rest of it?" she asked.
 Because" said Mrs. Sedgewick, gravely, "I would almost rather have you break down than see the fine flame of your hospitality quenched
 "Oh!" cried Helena. happily. That was what my mother always said You understand, tool"
 And that" said Mrs. Sedgewick. kissing her good-by. lis because we're relations by friendship" - Youths