The record-union., 1897-06-05

BY 9 o'clock that night wonderful
progress had been made in the prepa-
ration of the rooms intended for the
reception of my lord and my lady, and
when Mrs. Mason reflected that they
had still nearly the whole of the next
day in hand for final arrangements, she
felt fully satisfied with the work that
had been got through.
At half past nine the three women sat
down to their supper. During the pro-
gress of the meal, what with the chat
ter of the two girls and the natural
feeling of elation at having achieved a
good days work, the housezeeper be-
gan to feel almost joyous, and enter
tanned her hearers with anecdotes of
former places she had held among the
great families of the peerage.
So time sped till half-past ten, when
the two housemaids were sent off to
their rooms at the top of the house.
Mrs. Mason prepared to follow them,
but on consideration decided not to do
so Just at present. Instead she re-
NAMED seated in her armchair by the
fire, and thought over the events Of the
day.
AS thus she unused, the same vague
feelings of uneasineSs that had troubled
her in the morning began to return to
her. Lest they should for one mo-
ment gain the upper hand, the old lady
at once, on their very first approach,
rose from her chair and took up her
candle.
Sarah Mason, this won't do she
said sternly to herself. you've got to
get a good nights rest, and you know
it. If anything is going to happen, it
will happen--spite of anything you can
do to prevent it. The governing of
this world lies with Higher Power
than with you. You've got to do your
duty, not NEEDLE with fancies which
may never come to pass"
So saying, she lit her candle, and was
about to ascend the stairs to her room,
when she paused.
Better, perhaps, let iii Pluto to-
night, to prowl about as he likes. It'll
be safer So and make me feel more
easy. Then I'll see if that girl Ellen
has put out her light, and left no
sparks about. l was just going TO bed
without doing either of these things.
Talk about duty, why, I'm neglecting
mine thinking about things I've got no
business to think about"
Mrs. Mason now retraced her steps
to the housel1eeper's room, passing
through which, she presently came to
the Kitchen; this she crossed, and
opened the door at the further end, that
gave OIL to spacious yard. Directly
she had set ner foot on the flags out
side, she felt two heavy paws on her
shoulders and a cold nose thrust
against her cheek.
mo, you coax. I've got no bones
this time" she said, addressing the oc-
cupant Of the yard. But I've got
work for you to do, Pluto"
The dog, a magnificent bloodhound.
seemed clearly to understand what She
said, for he put his head on one side
and though to say: What is the work
you speak of"
Come in here, and I'll tell YOU" And
opening the door wider, the dog came
bounding in STEADY, steady-not so
fast
In a moment the perfectly trained an
imal became sober, walked demurely
UP to Mrs Mason, and licked her hand
then, as she made for the hall, he fol-
lowed her sedateiy, seemingly i'm
pressed with the fact that he was be-
ing admitted into the house for BUSH
ness, not pleasure.
Pluto" said the housekeeper earn
estly to him, as soon as they had both
arrived in the hall. listen carefully to
me. You are a good dog, and have
served your master well III needful mo-
nlents before now. Now, Pluto, you