The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1888-08-25
LEAVING THE HOUSE.
Interesting Experience of London Care
Taker and q Sneak-Thief.

Interesting Experience of London Caro-"
TaISer and Snealk-Thiof.
There is class of old, or oldish, women
in London who make a profession OF taking
charge OF houses during the absence OF
their proprietors, says Cdssel's A1d0asdne.
Mrs. Bloggins, the occasional charwoman,
is one of this class, and is always at call,
being only too glad to give up her two or
three days week charing for the certain
ties of &c house to mind,' which at any
rate, is good for bed and board and firing,
and few weekly shillings to boot. But,
though Mrs. Bloygns has seen SO much OF
the world, she has, unfortunately, failed to
fathom its Illusions and is not quite sharp
enough guardian to property in these evil
days.
Last autumn Mr.. Servawrit, the lawyer,
migrated with his family to the seaside,
leaving Mrs. Bloggins in highly-satisfied
possession of his handsome residence, with
nothing for the old dame to do but to an
swer calls and forward letters. ALI went
well for q time; but one fine morning comes
q laundering rat-tat-tat at the door, an
nouncing the arrival Of a magniicently
dressed gentleman in patent feathers and
lavender kid gloves, hot with haste and
urgency, to consult with Mr.. Servawrit on
business Of naoInentous import. s;Not at
home, my good woman? Nonsense! 1 tell
you mast see him!' 81 beg your honor's
pardon, I'm sure, sir; but all the family is
agone into the country" "Dear me! dear
me! Tell me where will letter reach
him!n "This here's the place, Sir '-hand-
ing him card with the seaside address II
must write to him this instant. Show me
where l can write--not a moment must be
goodness sake.'' 'sThis way, if you please,
sir;'' and Mrs Bloggins shows the gorgeous
stranger into the back dining-room and
seats him at Mrs. Servawrit's handsome
devonpcrt, where are abundant writing
materials; and, to show her manners there
she leaves him to transact his correspond
ence.
If she could have seen how effectually
with a small implement produced from his
vest pocket he fastened the door after her
and how deftly ne opened, cleared out and
reclosed the cheffonier containing the plate,
slowing the latter in his legion Of pockets,
she would have swooned away on the spot.
Next he writes a note, lets himself out into
the hall, hands the note and shilling "a
counterfeit) to tho dame, exacts promise
that she will post the missive right away
and grandly stalks away. Mr. Servawrit
gets the important letter next day:
:.DEAR S1R:' it runs. II can but compli-
ment you on the good taste you have shown,
in the selection of your plate. Twas always
partial to the fiddle patterned articles, and
whom elegantly chased as yours are, they
are doubly welcome. The fish slices and
the gravy spoons are substantial and to my
liking. The today ladies' are really unique.
Iapprove also Of the spade guinea at the
bottom OF the punch bowl, which last-na1ned
article shall preserve in remembrance of
my brief sojourn under your roof. Yours
(they were, mine they are), Cor 'E,1''
And thus, adding insult to injury, was Mr..
servawrit enlightened as to the hazards Of
leaving home