New Britain herald., 1926-01-16

| foull nave more than you cah carry. miss" said a good-natured clerk, as he tied up her parcels. Cant we sead the things over for you?"
 Barbara shook her head. No, thank you. I'd rather take them"
 She made several trips, laying the packages on the kitchen table be- tween Journeys.
 "Lord's sakes. miss, you must he goin' 10 have q party!" remarked the maid, staring at the increasing pile,
 "Not exactly" Barbara answered. "Just dinner for three. but I want it 10 be very nice. It's my first enter taining In my new apartment.
 She was making for the door again when she turned back. Do you know where can get some flowers for the table7' she asked the maid.
 I didn't notice my flower shops when was out"
 The woman struightened her back from the task of dusting low book shelf. "There ts one. just around the corner few steps. That's one nice thing about this neighborhood. You can buy anything you take a notion for"
 The window Of the florist shop was full of astcrs, in pinks and white and lavender. Barbara bought box of them and made her way back 10 tho apartment. She paused 10 glance at the grav-stone front of the build Ing, with its New York air of com pactness and capitalization.
 She was humming a little tune when she entered the living room for the last time and passed through 10 drop the last bundle on top of the pile.
 "Ill unpack those for you, miss V said the maid, standing tn the door, way.
 "No Indeed. I wouldn't miss the fun for anything In the world.' Bar bara's eyes were shining over the
 plump chicken, the crisp lettuce. "rhis is going to be a perfect din- ner."
 "You do beat all" saiG the woman. 'her eyes wide. You act as If you like messing around in the kitchen.
 Barbara laughed. "Well. it's m
 awful admission. But l do like it,
 probably because have so few ,chances to do if. Business women
 aiways like 10 step into the role oi
 housewife once in a while. Eesidei
 I have two nice men coming TOT
 dinner. And that adds interest. you know"
 The maid grinued "Tll say Il , does. When q woman really likes tc f cook, there's always q man behind Il
 somewhercs. But watch out yo' . don't land him with your cooking :, and have to do 1t for him all the res q of your life. It ain't 50 romantic s after the preacher makes hin yours."
 "Oh, there's nothing like that, , laughed Barbara. Were just goot :, friends"
 Say, miss don't want to b. fresh, hut there's nothing to that g There ain't no such thing as bcint s good friends for very long. Yo1 I either fall for him or else you hat' him. Don't tell me. I've beer
 through the mill. And I've beer
 cooking these fifteen years, withou
 no romance to it either. Look q
 those hands" She surveyed hel
 burned and cracked fingers ruefully
 "But I've proved woman car ihave man friend" argued Barbara
 "This one has stood by me for ;
 long, long time. Neither of us Is th'
 marrying sort"
 The maid shrugged her shoulder
 and went away
 It was seven o'clock before Bar
 hara thought of dinner. Then sh
 fried eggs and bacon. made a sala' }, and sat down 10 eat at the Ntchel ], table, where she could watch tn
 lights flickering in the slsyscrapcrs d The hum of Broadway was alway O audible, and the sense oi life swarm l. ing close about the building wa V strong.
 1t Barbara ate heartily. running int n the living room now and then to loo f out at the busy street. Then sh ,- washed the dishes and began | Il make salad dressing. Several othe at dishes that could be prepared ahea 70 of time were standing in the refri d gerator when she took off her apro h. at midnight and went to the front ( 1t the house.
 ,r Every light in, the little apartmer le was burning. Barbara sank into d char and smiled at her domain. st While she sat there, the telephor ly bell rang. Miss Hawley" said is woman's voice, T hope I didn't al. -s turb you. I did not realize how lat st it was till after I'd given your nun 10 Der. Just thought you were lonely c ,h this first night in the new apar 10 ment. It's rather ghastly feelin i- sometimes"
 ,e Barbara anc cred brightly. ST nt had caught note in the woman " voice that suggested tears. "Pl
 quite all right, thank you. In fa is I've been preparing for compar a dinner tomorrow" ,e. They talked for few minute 10 Barbara hung up. puzzled at Il he solicitous interest of Miss Furniva CT and at her e ident morose humor. ir, The next day was rainy and col re Taxicabs skidded past in drivir So sheets of rain. and the gutters { ,u tL. apartment building ran rivers he Barbara rose late, had her breal .s, fast and set about the work Of nal w ing a cake. Her little kitchen VI ly brightly lighted. The harder q 1T rain beat against the windows Il
 louder Barbara sang. ed Tn the middle Of the afternoon Il rs. maid knocked at the door. "I flu le. wondered If you wanted any hel ,N Mice uauthu CkA IAAHnA vptSffNl