Norwich bulletin., 1914-07-11
THE PICNIC IN THE BARN


 up for the evening. Chinese lanterns strung from end to end of the structure are Che decorative part of this scheme. and as they are kept from year to year, they are hailed as old acquaiptences and the former comments recalled by those present. All new members have to be told why this or that lantern is to be noticed That big one in the centre" explains one ifs Sues repre- sentative. but she isn't SO stout as she used to be. I think we'll have to de- vote 1t to some one else"
 eDo you remember how Lill always protested that the oriental on that long one in the corner looked as if he were suffering from asthrna7 Poor thing, she knows the reality herself now. for she is a victim to 1t. I am told" T wish dear old Katy could be with us today. sighed another. She ai- ways found the best in everything. and made others see it. too"
 Lamps had to be used to help in the illumination. and the evenings enter tainment followed. Their club evenings were often devoted to whist, but for their annual reunion. many games were indulged in besides those of cards. Songs varied the programme for sev- eral were musical in their tastes. and more than one well-trained voice was heard. Not to be outdone,. one pro- duced jewsharp for melody, and quartette furnished an amusing If not | paper and combs Light-hearts are easily amused and laughter comes readily to such as were gathered In | the old barn.
 Their plans for the summer were talked over. and here again they were able to compare notes of former ex- periences and locations.
 | "Nothing other than Swansea, N- H. for me-" cried one I've been there for many years in the summer and never fail to find rest and strength" Well" said another. T have gone to New Hampshire hills for several sum mers. but this year I mean to stay at home for a change"
 We all know why you are so de- voted to home this year" was the made. this meeting shower for you. to be in fashion. but that can come | later"
 q am very glad you omitted it. '-blushingly admitted the culprit,' but the club will probably meet without me however. for you know never was l skillful at whist and tried my part | nePs patience sorely at times"
 T am expecting to have the time of | my life" asserted one of the group ! who has kept silent till now. T am to join small company in a I western trip. and we mean to camp in | Yosemite Park for a time. and I am 1 anticipating so much that I am ale most afraid of disappointment I will send you all some postcards now and | then to remind you of my existence"
 We have some pleasure in store then | anyway" assented her friends" Post | cards are blessing at times. we all know"
 What are your plans. RubyT' asked l one of the group of her neighbor. You are so quiet this evening. Speak up. Open confession is good for the | soul"
 Ruby thus appealed to responded
 shyly. 'T have been trying to pluck up courage to tell you tonight. but shall not be in your club another year. I have wanted for . long time to give | myself to church work at the South. | Those poor mountaineers have greatly | enlisted my sympathy and want to
 work there. am going into training
 for deaconess rightaway to 1t my
 self the better for the work"
 And next winter" said her friends. you shall have a generous donation from the club to remind you of former
 times, and we can help in that way If
 we are not so devoted to good works as you are.'
 "There are still some of the sisters Il to be heard from" said the hostess. Don't ask me Same old grind, school
 teaching, but do like 1t. and as long as love the work and the children, I of you, May You have the same school, think, as this year. Yes" laughed another, but there } is difference. I am not so sure of } Mays staying in service very long. thing I'll turn prophecies of the occa- sion. The new supervisor is very often
 seen in Mays schoolroom. Now we all Il know that Mays room does not need so much scrutiny. and I venture to ' predict 1t is May. herself, he is look } ing after. We may have a chance for a shower for one of our members after
 all"
 } That prophecy" exclaimed another ] 'is a. good finish for one evening. and } move we disband especially as there Is } a shower close at hand of another sort 2 If we catch our car before the rair catches us. we shall have to hurry. ] So with nasty good-byes the club dis persed, and left their hostesses to the 5 happy reflection that the barn picnic , of 1914 had been a success. AN IDLER.