The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-10-05
A BARONET'S PILLS.


Why are We Waiting2@
She was a newcomer, or she would have
known that in this very genteel boarding
house, select as were It's boarders, the bar
onet who was permanent by tacit con
sent took the lead, and that it was a fea-
bure OF the honor accorded him that dinner
was never fairly commenced, the carving
and serving really entered upon, before his
arrival al the table. The baronet to do
him justice, was extremely punctual where
replenishing OF the inner man was concern
ed But on this particular evening he was
not in his accustomed place, and people
shuffled and toyed with serviette rings and
tried to appear not to be waiting till the
newcomer a vivaciOus, fresh tinted little
lady, O little turned 49, inquired of her
near neighhor the cause Of delay. But at
that moment the baronet appeared, walk
ing slowly, heavy cloud on his brow He
took his seat by the side of Miss Give, the
lady Of the eHtab lshInent, presiding at the
head Of the table. He stopped and vhis-
pered to her in portsntous tones.
Can eat no dinnerl'' she answered aloud
in alarmed accents
Nothing. nothing, % said the baronet
unless, - with a melancholy wave of his
hand, a spoonful, just a spoonful of the
soup No more, not a drop more, p as In
obedience to his request the soup ladle de-
scended to his plate IT have not missed
taking them for 15 years. and I dare not
attempt anything like a full meal without
their aid Until the post arrives toInor-
row morning I am a starving man " And
mournfully he applied himself to the soup
placed before him. That dispatched, he
rose and with q muttered apology left the
apartment for the drawing room
At his departure Miss Give gave expla-
nation The baronet could eat no dinner
because his digestive pills-the last two he
possessed till the morning post brought
fresh supply-had disappeared fr Ia the
box. The pillbox was stin standing on
the mRntelpiece, but the pills, so the serv-
ant reported who had been sent to fetch
them, were gone
docs he think the servant swallowed
themq"
II don't know" answered Miss Give
absently, too anxious for the effect upon
her permanent boarder to join in the gen
eral litter around the table, but he says
he shall dismiss him at once for his care
1essness"
s.What il the number Of the baronet's
r0om2" The newcomer asked tbs ques-
ton with sharp abruptness.
fNo. 10 "
"Thon it IS next to mine" The lady
looked for a moment attenti7ely at her
plate, and then, after the baronet's exam
pie rising, with murnured apologies,
quilted the table and the room.
A minute later found her by the baro-
nets chair
s. Are you quite sure9 Perhaps there is
some mistake. Your servant might have
overlooked them May he just give one
more look9'
Divided between surprise at her inter
ference and her pertinacitys the baronet.
turning, rang the bell near him and direct
ed his servant to look once more.
The man Obeyed. BE returned, per
plexity on his face. with the pillbox and
two innocent looking pills therein
There, told you SOP said the little
lady, with O clap Of her small white hands.
The baronet's first sensation was 10Y.
Madam, r he said. with q studied bow,
you have the wibchery of your sex" But
his brow clouded Glanoing toward his
maDservant, Fl shall dismiss you from
my service. You might have cost me the /
loss Of He rose hastily, and, courtesy
reminding him, offered his arm to his
benefactress. The two returned to the
dining room. Forgive the poor man,
said the lady as they went
No, madam Such carelessness is too /
oulpable +"
There was "a scufding back Of hot plates 1
and Dishes and the baronet's appetite
spoke grandly as an advertisements for the
pills digestive merits.
"And you are feeling quite well this
morning. Tt was the morning after, and
the lady whose Vitehery had secured the /
baronet his dinner leaned over his chair
Quite, madam - he replied gallantly,
owing to your oleVerness I have not /
had a dinner suit nae so well or enjoyed so
perfecsa nights rest for a long while =
"Then you viii not be SO stern toward 1
your naanaervRnt9'
But the baronet shook his head. ''sueh |
oulpabIe earelessness, nnadamF'
The lady hesitated- Could you keep a
seerets'
He bowed. solemnlv.
'Then I viii tell you something. My
room Joins yOuFs- They are much alike. I, |
too, take pills before dinner, and I went /
By mistake into your room and took your /
pills. Afterward slipped up and placed /
two of mine in your box. I feared to tell /
you, lest they should not suit you But
you see, they have acted admirably. Pray, /
say you forgive me"
The barOnet's pOf1teness was taxed He /
had been hoodwinked, but she had saved /
his dinner Madam, - he said, the ef-
fects have been too happy for resentment; /
also. it follows my servant is absolved from /
blame. -
81 am 80 glad And, her mission &c
she 7utterad away.
But the baronet's face assumed a medi- /
tative expression. a minute later he was I
seating himself near the lady. They were (
alone Id the room Madam, it has oc- 7
CURED to me, might 1.-The pills suited my /
digestion so acknowledgements I inquire 4
their name and where L could procure
theuP''
TheHe was a deeper tint in the Iady's
cheek, but her eyes were laughing. Gould /
you keep another secret"
He laid his hand on his heart Faith
fully"
sfThen, = she rose as though prepared 90
make quick exit after speaking, ''it is
nothing so very serious, only the ptlls you
took last night were rheuznatisrn pills, ard
I am so glad they suited you. ''-Eixchange.
Tho Wrong Name.