The Huttig news., 1917-01-13

When she rejoined her father her face was flushed. "Oh father" she said quite snappily, isn't that just like meY'
 Yes, very like" he agreed, and he tmiled.
 And so this is Mount Mark Isn't 1t a funny name father? Why do they call it Mount Mark?"
 "I don't know. I hadn't thought to inquire. We turn here, Prudence. This Is Main street. The city part of the town-the business part-is to the south."
 Its pretty street, isn't itT' she cried. "Such nice big naples. and such shady, porchy houses. I love houses with porches, don't your Has the par sOnage porch?"
 "Yes, big one on the south, and tiny one in front. We have the house fixed up pretty well, Prudence, but of course you'll have to go over it your self and arrange it as you like. I must go to trustees meeting at two o'clock, but We can get a good deal done before then. Mrs. Adams is com ing to help you this afternoon. She is one of our Ladies, and very kind. There. that is the parsonage!"
 Prudence gaZed in silence. Many would not have considered it beauti- full dwelling, but 10 Prudence il was heavenly. Fortunately the wide, grassy. shaded lawn greeted one first. Great. spreading naples bordered the street, and clustering rosebushes lined the walk leading up to the house. The par sonage, to Prudences gratified eyes. l looked honey, and big, and inviting. There were many windows, and the well-known lace curtains looked down upon Prudence tripping happily up the little board walk-or so It seemed to her.
 Two whole stories, and an attic be- sides Not to mention the bathroom Oh. father, the night after you wrote there was bathroom, Constance thanked God for it when she said her prayers. And a furnace, too! And electric lights! Oh, we have waited long time for it, and we've been very | patient indeed, but, between you and me, father, I am most nightly glad we've hit the luxury land at last. I'm sure we'll all feel much more religious in a parsonage that has a bathroom and electric lights! Oh, father,''
 He had thrown open the door, and Prudence stood upon the threshold of her new home. Together she and her father went from room to room, up- stairs and down, moving table to the left, bed to the right-according to her own good pleasure. Afterward they had a cozy luncheon for two in the dining room."
 "Oh, 1t is so elegant to have din- Ing room," breathed Prudence happily. T always pretended 1t was rather fun, and great saving of work, to eat and cook and study and live in one room, but inwardly the idea always outraged me. Is that the school over there?"
 "Yes, that's where Connie will go. There is only one high school in Mount Mark so the twins will have to go to the other side of town-a long walk, but in good weather they can come home for dinner"
 "Oh, that's lovely place over there, father!' exclaimed Prudence, looking from the living room windows toward the south Isn't it beautiful?"
 "Yes The Avery family lives there. The parents are very old and feeble, and the daughters are all-elderly- and all schoOlteaehers. There are four <~f tba te fo, s,ix Dear me, it is two o'clock already, and 1 must go at once. Mrs. Adams will be here in a few minutes, and you will not be lonely
 But when Mrs. Adams arrived at the parsonage she knocked repeatedly and in vain. Finally she gathered her robes about her and went into the back yard. She peered into the woodshed, and saw no one. She went into the barn lot. i and found it empty. In despair, she plunged into the barn-and stopped abruptly.
 In Shadowy corner was slender figure kneeling beside an overturned nailkeg, her face buried in her hands. Evidently this was Prudence engaged in prayer-and in the barn, of all places In the world
 "A-a-a-hem ?! stammered Mrs. Adams inquiringly.
 "Amen!" This was spoken aloud and hurriedly, and Prudence leaped to her feet Her fair hair clung about her face in damp, babyish tendrils, and her face was flushed and dusty, but alight with friendly interest. She ran forward eagerly, thrusting forth slim and grimy hand.
 You are Mrs. Adams, aren't you? I am Prudence Starr. It is so kind of you to come the very first day" she cried. Tt makes me love you right at the start"
 "Ye-yes, I am Mrs. Adams" Mrs. Adams was embarrassed. She could not banish from her mental vision that kneeling figure by the nailkeg. Inter- rogation was written All over her ample face. and Prudence promptly