Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-12-07
LADY BETTY'S IHDBCRETIoN.
srHorrvl Pm sick to death of it

by a servant Her cousin was either more
prudent or less vivacious; he did not an
swer on the instant, but stood looking
through one of the windows at the leahess
trees and slow-drooping rain in the Mall,
and only turned when Lady Betty pet
tishly repeated her statement.
'Had a bad time? he then vouchsafed,
dropping into chair near her, and look
ing first at her in a good-natured way, and
then at his boots, which he seemed to ap-
prove.
'sHorrid p she replied.
'Many people here%
"Hordes of them Whole tribes" she
exclaimed. She was little lady, plump
and pretty, with pale, clear complexion
and bright eyes. 81 am bored beyond be-
lief. And-and have not seen Stafford
since morning." she added.
cabinet Council ?"
"Yesp she answered, viciously. IA Cab
met Council, and a Privy Council, and a
Board of Trade, and Board of Green
Cloth. and all the other Boards Horny, |
am sick to death of it, What's the use of
it all p
70 W luc Jugs lie SdlQ OTdC-
ularly, still admiring his boots.
'Let itp she retorted, not relenting a
whit. 81 wish it would wish the dogs
joy of it p
He made an extraordinary effort at diff
fuseness. 81 thought" he said, shat you
were becoming political, Betty. Going to
write something, and all that"
"Rubbish But here is Mr.. Alley. Mr..
Alley, will you have a cup of tea?" she
continued, speaking to the newcomer.
F'There will be some here, presently.
Where is Mr.. Staford?"
"Mr. Stafford will take cup of tea in
the library, Lady Betty" replied the Sec
rotary. 'He asked me to bring it to him.
He is copying an important paper"
Sir Horace forsook his boots, and in a
tit of momentary interest, asked, "They
have come to terms %
The Secretary nodded. Lady Betty
said "Pshawp A man brought in the
fresh teapot, The next moment Mr.. Stat
ford himself came quickly into the room,
an open telegram in his hand.
He nodded pleasantly to his wife and her
cousin. But his thin, dark face wore-it
generally did-a preoccupied look. Coun-
try people to whom he was pointed out on
the streets called him, according to their
political leanings, either Insignificant or a
prig, or "dry sort" or sometimes said,
allow young he is p But those whose fate
it was 10 face the Minister in the House
knew that there was something in him
more to be feared even than his imper-
durability, his honesty, or his precision
and that was sudden warmth, which was
apt to carry away the House at unexpected
times. On one of these occasions, it was
rumored, Lady Betty Champion had seen
him and fallen in love with bin. Why he
had thrown the handkerchief to her-well
that was another matter; and whether the
apparently incongruous match would an
swer-that, too, remained to be seen.
"More telegrams?" she cried now at
rains telegams How I hate themp
"Why?' he said. "Why should your"
He really wondered.
She made face at him. "Here is your
tea" she said abruptly.
''Thank you you are very good" he re-
piled He took the cup and set it down
absently. galley" he continued, speak
ing to the Secretary, "you have not cor
rected the report of my speech at the club,
have you? No, know you have had no
time Will you run your eye over it pres
emily and see if it is all right, and send it
to the TFmes-I do no think need see it
by IL o'clock at the latest? The editor"
he added, tapping the pink paper in his
hand, Seemed to doubt us. / have to go to
Fitzgerald's now, so you must copy Lord
Pilgrimstenes terms, too, please. l had
meant to do it myself, but | shall be with
you before you have finished"
"What are the terms ~ Lady Betty
asked. "Lord Pilgrimstone has not agreed
to"
'To permit me to communicate them ~
he replied with grave smile. "No. So
you must pardon me, my dear. have
passed my word for absolute secrecy. And,
indeed, it is important to me as to Pill
grimstone that they should not be d.
vulged."
'They are sure to leak out" she retorted.
'They always do"
"WeIl, it will not be through me,
hope"
She stamped her foot on the carpet. 81
should like to get them and send them to
the Times" she exclaimed, her eyes flash
ing-he was so provokingi "And let all
the world know them l shouldw
He looked his establishment, while the
other two laughed softly, partly to avoid
embarrassment, perhaps. My lady otter
said these things, and no one took then
seriously.
s'You had better play the Secretary fol
once, Lady Betty" said Alley, who was re
lated to his chief. "You will then be able
to satisfy your curiosity. Shall resign
pro temp
She looked eagerly at her husband fo
the third part of second-looked fo
assent, perhaps. But she read no playful
ness in his face, and her own fell. He was
thinking about other things. mo" sh'
said. almost sullenly, dropping her eyes t
the carpet; 81 should not spell wei
enough"
Soon after that they dispersed, this be
ing Wednesday, Mr.. Staford's day for din
ing out Every one knows that Minister
dine only twice a week in session-ol
Wednesday and Sunday and Sunday i
often sacred to the children where Their
are any, lest they should grow up and no
know their father by sight. Lady Bett!
came into the library at quarter to eight
and found her husband still at his desk,
pile of papers before him waiting for hi
signature. As fact, he had only just sa
down, displacing his Secretary, who ha6
gone up stairs to dress.
stafford " she said.
She did not seem quite at her ease, bu
his mind was troubled, and he failed t
notice this. Eyes my DEAR" he answere
politely, shutting the papers before hin
into heap. He knew he was late, and h
could see that she was dressed. eyes, L al
going up stairs this minute. 1 have no
at is not that" she said, leaning wit
one hand on the table; 81 want to as
you"
"My dear, you really must tell it me !
the carriage He was on his feet alread.
making some hasty preparations. "Whe1
orc we tn dine9 At the Dukes? Then W