National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-08-23

for the luncheon interval, 'Byng left tho
drag and talked for q minute or two with
his butler, Mr.. Corker. This circumstance
somewhat aroused Carbury's wonder; no
could not imagine what Byng could have
to say to his retainer, for all arrange
mcnts Of tho household wero left in tho
captains own hands. lie failed, however,
to gather any information from tho
buffers stolid visago. Byng always did
things we'll, and in worry short time
table was spread on which was displayed
every luxury which money could buy or
tho mind Of man conceive.
please forgive me If leave you" said
her host to Miss Lexington; ~ shall DO
back after tho interval, and in tho mean
timo Capt. Carbury will, L am sure, look
after your wants"
Miss Lexington graciously assented,
and the air was soon filled with the clat--
tor of plates and tho popping of cham
payne corks. Throughout the progress of
tho orgio Carbury kept nm eve upon the
proceedings of tho butler. Ho was anx-
ious to find out the meaning of tho mys-
torious communication made TO that
worthy by Byng. Moreover, Corkor's
movements we're decidedly singular. Ho
seemed porpetually at Miss Laxington's
elbow; now pres3ingon her attention some
triumph of Byng's chef now filling hcr
glass with champagne or piling up her
plate with Strawberries. Aftor. these
little attentions no would retire behind
the drag and writo something down on a
piece Of paper.
The captains curiosity at length exc
haustod his patience. lie watched his
opportunity, therefore, aud came upon
Corkor suddenly, just as that individual
mado an cntry on tho mysterious shoot.
What are you up top hes asked.
Corker was momontarily confused, but he
answered with dignity:
Pm making hinwen tory, SIR"
What the duce do you meant"
"A hinwentory, sir, by Mr.. Byngs
ordors," responded tho butlor somewhat
rutlled. Tho captain paused moment in
thought. 1t might BIO important, this
piece of paper.
"Come, Corker," no said, "let mo see
that paper and I'll give you sovereign"
"Couldn't do it, sir" answered the
incompatible Corker.
"Oh, we'll. hang it, I'll make IL fiver"
Mr.. Corkor was not proof against tho
extra inducement, and so handed over
the mysterious slip.
What on oarth-Do you moan to say
your master told you to mako this list ?"
The butler nodded.
"Well, I'm blessed! oh, this Is alto
gether too lovely! Here, I'll keep IL for
bit. Won't he open his eyes when ho
sees itp
Byng did not reappear until very
shortly before stumps were drawn for
the day, and he made but a lame excuse
for his long absence. Carbury, as it hap
pened, did not see him again till late In
the evening, whom he found him in q
state Of great mental perturbation, porting
over small sheet of note paper, on which
certain hieroglyphics were scrawled in
pencil.
whats the matter ?" cried the cap
tain; you look awfully bad"
my hopes are shattered" said Byug,
In dismal voice; my fondest illusions
have been rudely dissipated; the dream
is over"
"What are you talking sbout?"
Look at this" answered the phi,oso-
pher in his most tragic tones. Carbury
took the paper and read:
1.-TWO platefuls mayonnaise, 2 ditto
Perigord pie, ditto lobster salad. 9 quails
in aspic, meringues glaces, 8 glasses
champagne, 3 holpings strawberries and
cream, 2 ices, glass of liquor brandy"
well, what is it? 1t reads like q
menu"
ut is the disgusting record of the guz-
cling propensities of Miss darlington.
ordered Corker to keep count, for after
what you saw at Ascot suspected her of
materialism-even Of sensuality-and my
worst fears are confirmedw
And you mean to say you won't marry
her because she likes good lunch"
Never would | link my fate to one so
welded to tho grossest pleasures! shall
start for Palestine tomorrow morning.
You must come; so get ready. Good
night 70