Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1890-08-01
CHAPTER xL-THE MEDDLEsoME MAID.

CHAPTER XL-THR MEDDLEsoME MAID.
On the evening Of that day Fanny Mere
entering the dining-room with the coffee,
found Lord Harry and Mr. Vimpa ny
alone, and discovered Gas soon as she open
ed the door that they changed the Ian
guags in which they were talking from
English to French.
She continued to linCer IN the room, ap-
parently occupied in setting the various
objects on the sideboard in order. Her
master was speaking nj the time: he asked
II the doctor had succeeded in finding a
bedroom for himself in the neighborhOod.
To this Mr.. Vimpany replied that he had
got the bedroom. Also, that he had pro-
vided himself with something else, which
1t was equally important TO have at his
disposal II mean," he proceeded, in his
bad French, that have found photo
graphic apparatus on hire. We are ready
now for the appearance Of our interesting
Danish guest"
"And when the man comes" Lord Harry
added, what am 10 say to my wifef
How am | to find an excuse. when she
hears of hospital patient who has taken
possession of your bedroom at the cottage
and has done it with my permission, and
with you to attend on him.
The doctor slipped his coffee. "We have
told a story that has satisfied the authori-
ties" he said coolly. "Repeat the story
to your wife"
"She won't believe it," Lord Harry re-.
piled.
Mr. Vimpany waited until he had Lit an
other cigar, and had quite satisfied him
self that it was worth smoking.
You have yourself to thank for that
obstacle he resumed. 'f you had taken
my advice your wife would have been out
of our way by this time. / suppose must
manage it. If you fail, leave her ladyship
to me. In the meanwhile, there's a matter
Nf V.a.. NNN.#N Es.ef f,-f w
shall want nurse for our poor, dear in
valid. Where are we to find her9'
AS he stated that difficulty, he finished
his coffee, and looked about him for the
bottle of brandy which always stood on
the dinner-table. In doing this, he hap
pened TO notice Fanny. Convinced that
her mistress was in danger, after what
she had already heard, the maids anxiety
and alarm had SO completely absorbed hel
that She had forgotten TO play her part
Instead of still busying herself at the
sideboard, she stood with her back to 1t.
palpablv listening. Cunning Mr.. Vimp-
any. possessing himself of the brandy,
made request too entirely appropriate to
excite suspicion.
'-Some fresh cold water. if you please"
was all that ne said.
The moment Fanny left the room, the
doctor addressed his friend in English.
with his eve on the door: News for yon,
my Dos! We are in pretty pickle-Lady
Harry's maid understands French"
"Quite impossibler' Lord Harry do
clared.
1--WE will put that to the test" Mr..
vimpany answered "Watch her when
she comes in again"
"What are yOu going to do?"
II am going to insult her in French.
Observe the result"
In another minute Fanny returned with
the fresh water. As she placed the glass
jug before Mr.. Vimpany he suddenly laid
his hand on her arm and looked her
straight in the face. "Vous nous avez mis-
dedans. drolesse," he said. "Vous enten-
DEE lie Francaisr' On English: You have
taken us in, You jade. You understand
French.")
An uncomfortable look Of mingled rage
and fear made its plain confession in
Fanny's face. She had been discovered:
she had heard herself called "drolcsse."
she stood before the two men self-con.
demned. Her angry master thre lteno4
her with instant dismissal from the house
The doctor interfered.
mo. no." he said, lyon mustn't de-
prive Lady Harry. at moments notice,
Of her maid. Such a clever maid, too"
he added, with his rascally smile. IAN
accomplished person, who understands
French, and is too modest to own It'll"