The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1894-02-23

WELL" said little man who looked
like piano-tuner. 81 call getting us
here like this tonight rather pleasant
move. believe it's one they practice
in Australia"
Its to be hoped he hasn't taken q
trip back there" suggested Mr. Barker,
the rate collector, in low voice.
Mrs. Berwick looked up, haughtily.
~ can assure you he has done nothing
of the sort. He will join us very
shortly"
Meanwhile" said Mr.. Willis. the
landlords agent, II maintain that he
has given us most excellent supper
and splendid champagne-of which,
aatter myself, am judge
II believe Mr.. Midway intends us to
go away good deal richer than we
came?" middle-aged man on the left
inquired, anxious to make sure that
this supper business was not put-off.
Rogers" said Mrs. Berwick, man.
aging her naughty manner with great
success, 81 think Mr.. Medway's check
seok is ready-is it not?"
Certainly, ma'am," answered Rog-
ers, who was miserable at having to
wait on what he called ''this lot" He
thought they ought to have been
downstairs land had beef and beer, if
they had anything, along with us;
truffles and jelly and champagne is
throwing pearls before swine, that eat
'em with their knives"
ITS a singular thing to me-" said
Mr. Willis, the man next to him, ''if
we are to get our money tonight in a
lump-for believe we are all in the
same boat-that our man should have
been in possession here for couple of
days"
There's bill of sale on the furni-
ture," said Mr.. Garway opposite
How will that affect you?' For as
the supper wore on and Midway did
not appear, they needed Mrs. Ber-
wick's presence less and less, or looked
at her with an easy familiarity that
embarrassed her considerably.
''It was only this morning, too, that
raised under circumstances should not
like to particularize before lady
friend of his" remarked Jewlsh-loolS-
ing gentleman who had not spoken be-
fore.
Perhaps this supper is thrown to us
as sop" suggested some one.
''Oh, gentlemen!" repeated Mrs. Ber-
wick, 'let me assure you you will deep
ly regret any expression you make use
of hastily"
mo disrespect to you, ma'am," said
an elderly man who had attempted
evening dress. Perhaps, if the truth
was known, you are in the same boat,
too. vote we make the best of it."
Il VOTE" said the man at the far end,
that we don't move until our bills are
settled"
''And if they are not" said the bull.
necked man, bringing his fist down on
the table.
"You will be quite satisfied on that
point, | assure you, before you leave
the table" Mrs. berwick said. raising
din. ''There is, besides. a surprise you
will find exceedingly pleasant" She
looked nervously towards the screen.
''Well, we should like to know what
it is" said Mr.. Willis.
''You shall before you leave the
table," she repeated. Rogers" she
said, turning feverishly to the butler.
81 think it's time"
"There's the health, ma'am," whis-
pered Rogers. He and the two other
menservants were standing behind her
chair. Gaping in at the doorway were
the servants; behind them. his head
peering over house-maids shoulder.
was the man in possession.
You must pardon me for saying
plainly, ma'am," almost shouted the
bull-necked man, that the sooner we
are satisfied the better"
"You shall be satisfied at once" her
voice rang out loud and shrill; ''but
first, gentlemen, fill your glasses and
drink Mr.. Medway's health" She
waved her arm back towards Rogers,
who frothed up her glass from bottle
in his hand. 'Mr. Medway will be
with us Immediately; let us drink to
him" Carried away by her excitement,
they rose to their feet and filed their
glasses.
Lets see him before we drink to
him." said the bull-necked mar. "How
do we know that it isn't all a plant?"
A wild laugh burst from Mrs. Berwick's
lips.
Pull it back, Rogers" she cried,
land let them be convinced" With
slow dignity Rogers walked towards
the screen, and pulled it from between
the tables
There sat Medway, seemingly at the
head of his supper-party, in evening
dress, with the flower in his button
hole. His lett hand was rigidly fast
ened round the champagne bottle,
against which rested his check-book.
The other hand had fallen beside him,
and his body toppled q little way to-
wards it. His head was thrown we'll
back, and the blood was flowing from
his throat, which was cut. from ear to
ear. For moment there was dead
silence. With their glasses uplifted
they stood as if transfxed. Rogers,
standing by, saw as if in a dream that
on the sheet of paper by the inkstand
was written:
"GentLemen, Itsink you aciU oaon thai
yoatr claims are settled-G. M"-Mrs w.
X. Clifford, in Pail Mall Budget