Omaha daily bee., 1911-06-18

valley, and in the very center OF this val
ley stood a rambling old farm house with
a great red-roofed barn in the rear. The
place had such a comfortable, home-nke
atmosphere, even at a distance, and Mrs.
Littleton quickly thought of something.
Say, children" she began, pointing to-
wards the farm house in the valley, which
was only half a mile away II believe 1t
best to go down there and ask the farmers
wife to let us shelter in that big barn till
the storm is over. And If our wagonettes
do come before we look for them, we can
signal them from there"
"Oh, yes, mamma, let's go there" cried
Mary, who had SO reluctantly started
homewards, afoot. Yes, we can go there
and have a picnic In the barn"
This made all the little ones eager to
go, and they Joined their voices OF consent
to Mary's. VERY well, come along" and
Mrs. Littleton hurried the children off
through the prairie grass till they struck
a road leading to the farm house grounds
They reached the place just in time, for
as they turned In through the big gate
a few heavy drops of rain fell, and gusts
of heavy wind were dashing things to the
earth, laying the grass flat.
When the party of fourteen stepped up
to the door a smiling woman met them.
And as good luck would have 1t, Mrs. Lit
Teton knew her. She was good customer
at Mr.. Littleton's store in town, and Mrs.
LIttleton often saw her there buying dry
goods. We'll, 1 do believe you are Mrs.
Brown" said Mrs. Littleton, introducing
herself.
Eyes, and was quite sure I knew you,"
Brown, Mr.. Brown, who then came hurry
ing in, and their woman-of-all-work put
down windows and shut open doors against
the coming storm. And then, as daylight
seemed blotted out, lamps, We're lighted
and the whole crowd including the Browns
and their hired man and woman, went into
the big long dining room. And the picnic
dinner was spread on the long table, a table
quite spacious enough to admit OF twelve
working men during harvest time So, the
picnickers found plenty OF room and to
spare
And Mr. Brown was so jolly, telling jokes
and cutting up pranks with the town boys
till the little fellows thanked their lucky
stars for the opportune storm which had
sent them TO this jolly place. And Mrs.
Brown was here, there and everywhere,
smiling and chatting and helping to lay the
spread. Never had the children had such
a good time as they were having now. The
storm ragged, rain beat like wild furtes
against the closed windows and doors,
lightning glared, to be followed by peals OF
terrible thunder but the picnickers did not
mind. Indeed, they enjoyed the sense OF
safety while the storm ragged without
Seated round the long table. at precisely
/ o'clock the little crowd had their picnic
dinner. And Mrs Brown had added great
pitchers OF sweet milk and buttermilk to
the repast, and several great brown pump
kin pies. baked by herself that very morn
ing.
II had no idea 1 should have a surprise
party" said the good natured lady, when
1 was baking this morning. And how
strange II should have happened on this
day of all days-for 1t is my birthday"
Then all became happier. 1t was their
good hotess' birthday Mrs. IAttleton sug-
sested that the party drink the hostess
health in the sweet milk and glasses were
raised and words OF good cheer spoken. to
which Mrs. Brown responded with emotion
and tears in her eyes.
After the luncheon, which lasted two
, hours, Mrs. Littleton saw telephone in
r the living room and asked to use It. Mrs.