The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1916-07-06
TheEpenin9 Story
The Bargain.
Copyright. 1916. sy W. Werner.

Every summer since her marriage
Amelia Bates had had 10 entertain
some Of her husbands relatives.
They came without invitation and
stayed as long as they pleased. AS
for Amelia herself. she was very
much alone in the world. She had
married above her. and Franks rel
atives made her feel IL. She was
anxious to be friends with all os
them and the only way she could
accomplish this was 10 walt upon
them increasingly.
The family or Franks brother had
just finished three weeks stay and
returned 10 the city, when Franks
cousin. Evelyn Ward. wrote that she
would like 10 come for a short visit.
That letter was the last straw.
Amelia was tired out. She had done
the work alone. Her sisterin-law
was = woman who exacted many
extras As she read Evelyn's letter
aloud 10 Frank she Jrembled out OF
sheer nervousness and heartsick-
ness.
The Wards are the finest rela-
tiyes I've got" Frank said. Il
haven't seen Evelyn in Is years,
but she Was mighty cute young
ster. And Aunt Fan was always
good 10 NE when | went there.
feel under obligation to them. You'll
have 10 brave up, | guess. and do
the best you can. Amelia. We can't
get out OF having Evelyn. And |
don't want 10, anyway
Ameua's lIp. quiyered. II &C.
Cured 10 her that Frank was more
than selfsh-hc was almost heart
less where she was concerned. He
had everything that he wanted TO
work with on the farm, while she
had TO get along with makeshifts.
Her work was twice as hard as il
would have been with the proper
aids. but Frank never thought Of
afording them, although he was
amply able 10 do so. Bitterness
gathered in her heart as she pre-
pared the guest room for the aI-
pected conner and filled the larder
with the necessary baking.
Evelyn came at o'clock OF a
still. hot August day. Frank went
20 the station to meet her. There
was plenty OF room in the surrey.
but Amelia was too tired after be-
ing up since o'clock TO take the
ride. Moreover, she had a few final
preparations to make. When she
had changed her work dress for a
fresh gingham she sat down on the
porch 70 cool for a few moments
I Presently she saw the surrey and
the girl in a stylish hat. Remem-
bering her own wan reflection in
, the glass. she felt a rising sense OF
anger and injustice against Frank
and the woman he was willing to
sacrifice her for. And il came 10
, her that If she had been born any
body but Amelia Otis she would
have rebelled once and forever.
As it was. she presented a meek,
wistful appearance as the wagon
turned into the driveway and Evelyn
Ward stepped ont. She was a slim
girl, sound. wholesome and color
! ful Her hands vigorously grasped
| Amelia's and her lips were firm
+ against the pale cheek offered her.
Now, don't take an extra step
for me" sch said. as she followed
Amelia into the house. I'm used
to waiting on myself oh, how heay-
emily COOL"
Amelias heart warmed sensibly
20 Evelyn. She was altogether
! different from the fnicky and fash.
ionable Amy. She looked "a II she
had good sense. But, of course
she hasn't or she wouldn't be in
ficting herself upon me in this man.
ner," sighed poor Amelia
Evelyn retired so early that Anne.
liza had no chance 10 get acquainted
with her that night. Next morning
she was up shortly after Amelia
herself and appeared in a plain
linen dress.
Now tell me what you have plan,
ned TO have for breakfast and I'll
get it while you are separating the
milk" she said.
"Oh. no." Amelia protested. She
knew from experience how much
value was such assistance. Amy
had frequently washed the dishes
and left more work behind than she
did.
As II she read Amelia's thoughts
the girl put her hands on the WON
ans slender shoulders and looked
into her eeys Trust me and see
what can do, she pleaded.
From time TO time Amelia glanced
al her and saw with surprise how
sure and skillful her movement.
were Breakfast and the separating
ran a race. but breakfast came ou'
ahead. And II was delicious.
why. where did you learn TO d,
all this?" Amelia asked
Partly at cooking school, partly
al home" Evelyn answered. q"
love TO tinker with victusls anr
homework in general. You will fint
me very useful II you'll allow me Q,
be, Cousin Amelia"