The record-union., 1897-06-05

loud postmans knock resounded
through the hall, quickly bringing Mrs.
Mason to the ground floor. again. Open
ing the letter box she drew from it
three packages. The first, addressed to
the Right Honorable the Viscount Will
mington," looked like a circular. The
second, also for the master. was paIpa-
bly, an advertisement of some kind. But
the third proved to be for the worthy
housekeeper herself. Now, Mrs. Ma
son seldom got any letters. The receipt
or this one was, consequently, something
of an event for her But what aston
ished her was that her communication
was from no less a person than his
lordship himself. Now, what could he
possibly have to write to her aboutq II
was my lady who, of course, always ad
dressed her on any subject connected
with domestic matters. Was anything
wrong?
AS, perhaps, the most feasible way of
solving the mystery, Mrs. Mason-after
slowly turning the envelope round about
several times in her hands-opened it.
and read as follows:
Hotel d'Angleterre Paris.
October TO- 1856.
Mrs. Mason: L deeply regret to say
that her ladyship is far from well. She
caught chill some few days ago. which
she has found it impossible to shake off.
Under these circumstances she is anx-
ious to return home as soon as possible.
in order that she may be attended by
her own medical man. Indeed, the doc
tor here himself recommended that
course. But do not wish her to return
till everything has been made comfort
able and homelike for her reception. AT
once, therefore, upon receipt of this.
please set the housemaids to work to get
all ready; light large fires in all the
rooms that We shall use, and get the
plate chest from the bankers. We shall
expect to get home at about 10 O'Clock
tomorrow night. If you REQUIRE helm
in any way. have no doubt Mr.. Regin-
aid will be able and willing to give it
you SO far as he can. In haste Faith
fully yours, WILMINGTON"
"Goodnessi Here's neWsi" exclaimed
the housekeeper, as soon as she had
reached the end of the letter. And so
sudden! Why, we shall have to work
like galleys to get even the few rooms
her ladyship and he viii Occupy ready to
receive them. Then there's the plate to
get from the bank. Dear me- however
is that to be done? I'm bothered--fair-
~ bothered!"
AS first step towards getting out of
the maze of troubles she saw before
her, Mrs. Mason sat down on a hall
chair and put on her considering cap.
After few seconds cogitation, the old
lady brought her hands together with a
quick movement, and said to herself.
Il know. First thing I'll send to
Mr.. Reginald and see what he can adj
wise"
SO saying, she ran to his lordship's
study and scrubbed two or three lines
to Mr.. Crawford, begging him to step
round to No. 10 B Square, at his
very earliest convenience. on a matter
of Importance Then, sending for
Jane, she directed her to run out and
give the note to a cabman on the stand
hard by, with instructions-and a shilI-
ing-to deliver it as quickly as possible
at the address on the cover
Directly the housemaid had returned
from her errand, Mrs Mason called
Ellen down, and thereupon commune
Gated to the astonished woman the
news she had just received. After
that, all three set to work with will
and "a fierce endeavor' to get the
house in order.
In less than half an hour after Jane
had given the note to the cabman. Reg
inald Crawford drove up to b
Square.