The Big Blue Soldier/The Enchanted Barn/Miranda: Agatha's Unknown Way

Collection 5 contains four stories. I consider this the best of the Collections I have read so far, and I've read most of them.The Enchanted Barn by GHL is a story of an oldest daughter, Shirley Hollister, who finds herself supporting her ill mother and younger brothers and sisters after her father's death. She works as a poorly paid stenographer, and learns that they must vacate their tiny dark house in the city. She uses her last dime to ride a trolley into the country to find a home, and discovers a beautiful old stone barn in an idyllic setting, with a stream, fresh air, trees, and sunshine. The handsome young wealthy owner, Sidney Graham, agrees to rent it to her -- and then proceeds with some modifications. When the family moves to the country, the mother starts to recover and the children grow stronger. Young Shirley is asked to the city to work with some important governmental papers, and is kidnapped by evil men. Sidney Graham sets out to find her -- and you will have to read the story yourself to learn the ending. The story is pure fun, especially the part about fixing up the barn, and one of the best GHL has written. The Love Gift by GHL is a story of young milliner living in a cheap boardinghouse, who can make beautiful hats. And of a poor young minister who goes in search of a respectable hat for his older mother. The two become friends after the beautiful poor young milliner sells him a beautiful hat for a very low price, and the minister shows her about Jesus. Do they fall in love? Read the story yourself to find out. Miranda, by GHL is part of a sequence of stories that began with the book "Marcia Schuyler." It takes the story of Miranda Griscom and her own secret love, young Allan Whitney. Years ago, Allan had been wrongly accused of a crime and had fled out west, with only Miranda believing firmly in his innocence, and helping him to flee. When he returns to town years later after cleared of wrong-doing, will he remember his long-time faithful friend?Agatha's Unknown Way is a story by Isabella Alden. Young Agatha Hunter grew up in India, and returns to the states to stay with her Aunt & Uncle for health reasons. While in the states, she attends a city missionary meeting, hoping to be inspired and encouraged and to be able to encourage her parents who are still in India. When she discovers only apathy, she is pushed beyond her usual shyness to help change things. A chance encounter and a mistaken identity change not only her life, but the lives of those around her.