Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-10-21

talked enough about the circus by this
time? thought you were ready for
sleep, otherwise would not have come
up to say goodnight"
Ernest studied the patient kind feat
ures of his father for a moment, and
then slipped penitently under the bed
clothes, settling his restless young
head determinedly on the pillow.
I'm all right now!" he murmured
with demure, dimpling smile. Then,
with tender upward twinkling in his
merry blue eyes, he added, Good
night, papa dear! God bless you'll"
A sort of wistful pathos softened the
grave lines of Lord Winsleighs coun-
tcnance as he bent once more over the
little bed, and pressed his bearded lips
lightly on the boys fresh cheek,
as cool and soft as a rose-leaf.
God bless you, little mani" he an
swered softly, and there was a slight
culver in his calm voice. Then he put
out the light and left the room, closing
the door after him with careful noise
slowly his face changed from its late
look of tenderness to one of stern and
patient GOODNESS, which was evidently
It's habitual expression. He addressed
himself to Briggs, who was lounging
aimlessly in the hail.
Her ladyship is out?"
Yes, my lord! Gone to the theayter
with Sir Francis Lennox."
Lord Winsleigh turned upon him
sharply. Il did not ask you, Briggs,
where she had gone, or who accompan-
led her. Have the goodness to answer
my questions simply, without adding
useless and unnecessary details"
Briggs's mouth opened little in
amazement at his masters peremptory
tone, but he answered promptly
Very good, my lord!"
Lord Winsleigh paused moment
"See that her ladyships supper is
prepared in the dining-room She
will probably return rather late.
Should she inquire for me, say l am at
the Carlton"
Again Briggs responded, Very good,
my lord!" ani, like an exemplary ser
want as he was, he fingered about the
passage while Lord Winsleigh entered
the library, and, after remaining there
some ten minutes or SO, came out again
in hat and great coat. The officious
Briggs handel him his cane, and in
CURED
"Ansom, my lord?'
Thanks, 40. | will walk"
1t was fine moonlight night, and
Briggs stood for some minutes on the
steps, airing his shapely calves, and
watching the tall dignifled figure of
his master, walking, with the upright,
stately bearing which distinguished
him, in the direction of Pail Mall.
Park Lane was full of crowding carri-
ages with twinkling lights, all bound
to the different sources of so-called
pleasure" by which the opening of
the season is distinguished Briggs
surveyed the scene with lofty indiffer-
ence, shifted the cool breeze, and, find
ing it somewhat chilly re-entered the
house and descended to the servants
hall. Here all the domestics of the
Winsleigh household were seated at a
large table, loaded with hot and savory
viands,-a table presided over by a
robust and perspiring lady with a very
red face and sturdy arms bare to the
elbow.
"Lor' Mr. Briggs!" cried this per-
sonage, rising respectfully as he APP
preached, 'ow late you are! Wot ave
you been a-doin on? Ere I've been
a-keepin your lamb-chops and truftles
'ot all this time, and IL theys dried up
faint my fault. nor that of the hoven,
hich Is as good an hoven as you'd
wish to bake in. -"
She paused breathless and Briggs
smiled blandly.
Now. Flopsie!" he said in tone of
gentle severity. Excited again as
usual! It's bad for your 'ealth-very
bad! Hif the chops is dried, your
course Is plain-cook some more! Not
that | am any ways particular-but
chlpy meat is bad for delicate diges-
ton. And you would not make me
hill, my Flopsie, would your"
Whereupon, he seated himself, and
looked condescendingly round the Ia
BILE He was too great a parsonage to
be familiar with such inferior crea-
lures as housemaids, scullery-girls,
and menials of that class,-he was only
on intimate terms with the cook, Mrs.
Hopper, or as he called her, "Flopsie,"
the coachman, and Lady Winsleigh's
own maid Louise Renaud, a prim, sal
low-faced Frenchwoman. who, by
reason Of her nationality, was called
by all the inhabitants of the kitchen,
"mamzelle," as being a name both
short, appropriate, and convenient.
On careful examination, the lamb
chops turned out satisfactorily-"c chip
piness' was an epithet that could not
i.stly be applied to them, and Mr..
Briggs began to eat them leisurely.
tlavoring them with glass or two OF
fine port out of decanter which he
Ind taken the precaution to bring