Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-11-01
CHATTER NNVII.

The day SO full of excitement for
Lena, so full of happiness for Bertha,
proved busy day for Fancourt'S con-
tidential man John. lie had told
Perkins he would call ut the cottage to
inquire after Mrs. Lcmont; and this he
accordingly did after seeing his master
mount his horse
IL shall not be back till late" an
nOunced Fancourt, as John stood at the
door of the inn to see him off
VERY good, sir, said John; 'per-
hapS, sir, you wouldn't mind nv run
ming up to town on little business of
my own
"Run to the deuce, if you like, only
be here when | come back was Fan
courts reply.
the habitual smile on his lips undis-
tuThcd.
With his hands in his pockets he
presently strollcd down to the cottage.
Eliza, the maid-servant, opened the
door at his summons.
GLOW do you do, my dear?" inquired
John. mo need to ask, though; you
look rs blooming as the pink ribbons on
that pretty cap of yours
La, MIR. John, y said Eliza, with a
Smirk, what nonsense you do Lalkl
Won't you step imp
Not now, thanks" John replied;
''only just called in to ask how your
mistress is this morning. Mr.. Perkins
said she was not very well Yesterday
mo more she was and no more she
Is, returned Eliza. "Shc was took very
faint and i'll after breakfast yesterday,
and She ain no better
HIS she seen n doctor?" John in
quirrd.
No" Eliza answered. "Mr. Fan
court SAYS he don't think it's much.n
Abr said John. lis there anything
| can do for you in London? Any
message to your sweetheart, for in
StanCe?"
La, what a man you are. Mr. John,
to be sure" Eliza giggled. But wheth-
er She had any message did not trans
plre, as the ColloQuy was cut short by
the appearance of Perkins, when Eliza
retired TO her own domain.
Perkins looked mysterious. lie came
forward on tIp-toe, his finger on his
lips, and winking one eye porten-
tuOuSly.
I've got it, he said in whisper; lit
coined this morning.
"What came this morning?" John
asked, with a well-asSumed air of sur
prise.
"Why. a letter from that there Mr..
Pierre" Perkins answered, looking
round rs if afraid of being overheard.
I've got what you wanted. There il
is" As he spoke he drew out of his
pocket a Crumpied piece of paper with
a name scrawled upon it.
"Oh, ali yes -thaukee-the post
mark, | See,n John returned, in care
less tone rs he took the paper. YES,
| remember. IN right. Mr.. Perkins.
Sorry to hear your mistress is no better
this morning"
NO. she's no better" said Perkins, a
little hurt that his communication had
been received with so much indiffer-
ence.
well, l must be of" said John; II
have got leave to so up to town. III
look in tomorrow and see how you're
getting on"
Do" pressed Perkins. Mr.. Fan
court said he'd come along last thing to-
night. lie had TO go up To town to-day,
he said"
All, yes" John rejoined. Those
societies take up deal of time. Good
morning: take care of yourself. Good
folk are scarce in this world
Let me aloue,' Perkins chuckled.
There : ne'er a one rs viii come over
me in hurry, he said, his bread per-
son filling up the doorway.
NO, no-too wide awake for that
Ell. Mr.. Perkins," said John. Good
day." and away John went, Perkins
whiStling softly to himself as he
watched his friend down the path.
John had attended to the sick dog in
the morning. and, as soon as he re-
turned 10 the inn, he watched his op-
portunlty, when no one was about, and.
20 ii
to the railway station, and took the
train for London.
Arrived at the Victoria Station. he
called a cab, and, getting in with his
burden. too i'll TO do anything but occa-
sionally TO attempt feebly 20 HEX his
hand. he drove TO a house in Chelsea,
part OF which was built ever a Iar-e