The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1894-11-01
ALWAYS A MYSTERY.
Though Old as the Hills, the Disease Puz
zles Those Who Haven't It.

early, and in the morning the trigge
of the maid-servant's temper is del
cate.
THE way he's carrying on"
who's carrying on?"
= ''Mr. James,"
' whats the matter with Mr.. James?
} asked the maid-servant sharply, for sh
had been in the service of the famil,
longer than the man-servant, and sh,
resented any criticism on his part.
Hes so queer" said the man-serv
ant, lowering his tone to offset thu
pitch of her voice, which had risen.
{ YOU'D better be careful of you
tongue" she said tartly.
But he does carry on So"
what business is it of yours?"
"But he keeps me running all the
time, carrying letters"
"Of course he does, and It's very
proper of him."
But what's the use of sending sc
many?"
81 guess you were never in love, >
said the maid-servant, scornfully.
This was poser" for the man-serv.
ant, who did not respond at once.
When he did speak again he assumed a
knowing air
do you know" he said, that he
sends two letters day-one in the
morning and the other as soon as he
comes home in the afternoon? That
is, two regular"
'Of course l know"
| i
servant in a contradictory tone.
Stupid" said the maid-servant.
Don't | see you running with the let
| ters?'
The man-servants head was thick
for he asked very foolish question.
How do you know they're for herr"
Stupid" she said again, do you
suppose I'd think he was writing two
letters day to his stableman?"
The man-servant made no reply to
this.
"Ain't it queer, thought" he said.
"What's queer about it?"
why, he writes them in his dress
ing gown. Can't wait to dress, even,
and then hurries me off as if l was 60
ing to send in a ire-alarm.
"Well?"
"And have to wait for an answer
and bring it back to him."
"Of course you do" said the maid
servant. "What does he send you for?"
And when l get back he's still in
his dressing-gown. He's been too nerv-
GUS and excited to DRESS He Just
snatches the letter out of my hand and
rips it open as if his life depended on
it."
''Of course he does" said the maid
servant in superior way, showing her
knowledge of the manners of great
folk; "a gentleman is always anxious
to hear what lady has to say"
but sometimes" said the man-serv-
ant in deep disgust, there's some
thing in the letter that he has to an
swer right away again, and he sits
down and writes like house a-fre and
then sends me boiling right back
again"
probably because she's asked him
some question that needs an answer"
said the maid-servant approvingly.
but amt it mysterious" said the
man-servant, chow it affects emp"
what business is that f yours?"
answered the maid-servant smartly.
at makes me wonder" said the man.
servant. 'Why, she only lives three
doors away. The idea of sending letters
to your fyansee when she lives right
next door to your house? And in the
morning, too before breakfast, and as
soon as you get home in the afternoon!
Do they all do that?"
"How do I know what other people
do? Amt it enough to know what
Mr.. James does?"
"But it's so queer. Does every body
that's in love do that?'
"IIow do | know?" asked the maid
servant with a strong accent on the
IT, I'm not in love with any body.
No, indeed, I'm not she insisted
moclSingly.
But it's so queer" said the man
servant. Sometimes he's so impa-
TENT
rs that you, John?" came voice
from the head of the stairs, and the
man-servant started and looked fright
ened. The maid-servant busted fire.
shovel furiously.
There" she whispered you've stood
here gossiping and wasting time, and
now you'll catch it. You'll drag me
into it. too"
rs that you, John?" came the voice
again. slightly impatient.
Answer him. you fool whispered
the maid servant in a tragic tone.
Yes, sir" answered the man SER
want.
What kept you so long? Come right
up stairs"
"I-I-haven't gone yet. sir" falter-
ed the man servant; I've been de-
layed, sir"
Haven't gone yet" said the voice in
establishment. What in the world
have you been doing. It's been half
an hour since sent you.'
I'm going right now, sir" said the
man servant.
Hurry along. then" commanded the
voice. you are very slow, John"
All right, sir" said the man-ser-
want. brisllly, and he turned to give
an eloquent glance to the maid-servant,