But in the crystal, opal heavens, Clustering near the golden gate, Her and all the other Johnsons For her family sit and wait. Cheer up, mother, sister, brothers, And the pastor of her church, For though Martha’s joined the angels, She leaves none in the lurch. The other item was not poetic. It was in the advertisement column, and read:— WANTED: immediately. A good cook. Must be neat, willing, honest, and experienced. No laundry work. References required. Only competent workers need apply. Address X. Y. Z., this office. “I saw your advertisement in the paper this morning,” said Miss Bates, stopping at the doctor’s gate in the early evening. Barbara sat on the porch step, her bright head drooped upon the vine-covered railing. It had been sweeping-day, and the unused muscles of her back were protesting against their unaccustomed exercise. Perhaps it was weariness that sent the querulous note into her voice. “How did you know it was mine?” “Why, I happened to meet David on the way to the ‘Transcript’ office this morning. I knew that Ellen left you several days ago, so I put two and two together. Besides, my dear, I would have known for other reasons. The advertisement showed that it was written by an inexperienced housekeeper.” “How?” asked Barbara. “Nobody ever advertises for help in Auburn. Newspapers aren’t much good for that. If you want a girl, all you have to do is to spread the news among your acquaintances.” “That isn’t hard, with _you_ to help,” muttered Gassy, from the step above. “What’s that, Cecilia? Oh, I thought you spoke to me.—And they will be on the outlook for you. It is much cheaper than advertising. How are you getting along without Ellen?” Barbara thought of the half-done potatoes, the broken water-pitcher, and the soda-less biscuits that had been incidents of the day. But she was in no humor for a confession to Miss Bates. “Pretty well,” she said. “That’s good. You know so little about housework, Barbara, that I wouldn’t have been surprised if you were missing her. Not that you’re to blame for that. Lots of people set a college education above home training, nowadays. Just about noon to-day I smelled something burning, and I said to myself, ‘There goes Barbara Grafton’s dinner.’ But of course it might have come from some other kitchen. The wind came straight this way, though.” “Yes?” said Barbara, wearily. “Is it true that you’ve turned vegetarian? I was at the butcher’s this morning, and Jack came in and got a steak. I knew that your pa is away, but I thought that one steak wouldn’t do for your family. I happened to mention it to the butcher, and he said that your meat orders were falling off lately. So I just wondered if you had given up eating meat.”