The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1894-03-17

even more like bailiff than the ON,
downstairs. II thought saw it NOV,
as we came in."
'Oh. no. 1t is only little arrange
ment Of Mr.. Medway's," smiled Mrs
Berwick. He has SO many devices"
so it seems" said a silent man. who
went on eating diligently. For some
minutes the supper progressed.
WELL" said little man who looked
like a piano-t,iner. II call getting nj
here like this tonight rather a pleasant
move. l believe it's one they practice
in Australia
"It's to be hoped he hasn't taken .
trip back there" suggested Mr.. Barker,
the rate collector, in low voice.
Mrs. Berwick looked up, haughtily.
II 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 a most excellent supper
and splendid champagne-of which,
flatter myself. am Judge"
81 believe Mr.. Midway intends us to
go away a good deal richer than We
came?" a 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, II think Mr.. Medway's check
book 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;
trufies and jelly and champagne is
throwing pearls before swine, that eat
'em with their knives"
'Jt's a singular thing to me-" said
Mr.. Willis, the man next to him, 'if
we are to get our money tonight in
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 your" For as
the supper wore on and Midway did
not appear, they needed Mrs Ber-
wick's presence less and lie IS, or looked
Mt her with an easy familiarity that
her considerably.
1T was only this morning, too, that
heard of couple of thousand he had
raised under circumstances should not
like to particularize before lady
friend of his" remarked Jewlsh-look-
ing gentleman who had not spoken be-
fore.
Perhaps this supper is thrown to us
rs sop" suggested some one.
"Oh, Rentlemenr repeated Mrs Ber-
wick, 'let me assure you you will deep
y regret any expression you make use
If hastily"
mo disrespect to you. ma'am," said
In elderly man who had attempted
evening dress. Perhaps. If the truth
vas known, you are in the same boat
100. vote we make the best of it."
II 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
rocked man. bringing his fist down on |
he table.
"You will be quite satisfied on that
'oint. l assure you, before you leave |
he table," Mrs. Berwick said, raising |
Ter voice so as to be heard over the |
in. There is. besides, surprise you |
will find exceedingly pleasant" She
ooked nervously towards the screen.
well, we should like to know what
is" said Mr.. Willis.
"You shall before you leave the
able" she repeated. Rogers" she
aid, turning feverishly to the butler,
! think it's time
There's the health. ma'am," whis-
cred Rogers He and the two other
,enservants were standing behind her
hair. Gaping In at the doorway were
be servants; behind them, his head
eerinR over house-maid's shoulder.
AS the man in possession.
you must pardon me for saying
lainly, ma'an," almost shouted the
ull-necked man, that the sooner we
Re satisfied the better"
"You shall be satisfied at once" her
'ice rang out loud and shrill; ssbut
rst, gentlemen, fill your glasses and
ink Mr.. Medway's health" She
aved her arm back towards Rogers.
no frothed mp her glass from bottle
his hand. ''Mr. Midway will be
it'll us Immediately; let us drink to
M" Carried away by her excitement,
ey rose to their feet and filed their
asses.
Lets see him before we drink to
m" said the bull-necked mar. "How
} we know that it isn't all plant?" .
wild laugh burst from Mrs. Berwick's {
3s.
Pull it back. Rogers" she cried, I
md let them be convinced" With
wv dignity Rogers walked towards
e screen. and pulled it from between
e tables
There sat Midway, seemingly at the
lad OF his supper-party, in evening