The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-01-24


Now Milly had very strongly resolved to
be true to Jones' Still, she was in no
hurry, for, in spite of his irritating ways,
she loved her pompous old father
How did you sleep, papa?" she asked,
as that gentleman, very spick and span,
arrived to breakfast.
VERY well-very well, indeed. At one
moment thought felt a flea, but, at any
rate, l fell asleep again. What's under
the cover? Bloaters? An, good They
give nice favor to the tea"
There's some cold ham, too, and hot
rolls" said Mrs. Cocks.
Mr.. Bumpus smiled blandly. "You seem
fairly civilized down here" he said.
Silence ensued for a few pleasant mo-
ments; then a heavy tap at the door, as
though delivered by a steam hammer ar
rested the gastronomic operations.
Come in" cried Milly.
Enter dingy-looking slip of a girl in a
print dress, with a huge rent above the
hem, cap on one side over a wild tangle
of hair, and smutty apron. She bore in
her dingy hand a pair of boots, damp with
fresh and abundant backing.
Please, num-" she exclaimed, address,
ing herself to Mrs. Cocks, ''the gentle
man." noddins at Bumpus. has put on
our top back rooms boots by mistake, so
l have brought him his, and would he be
so obiging as to changer" and she stood
boots beside Bumpus, with bang
Bumpus looked at his own neat feet and
grew red with Indignation.
There isn't man in Margate of my
age and size whose boots would not be too
big for me" he exclaimed loudly, glancing
Indignantly at those brought in by the
next-door slavey. ''Why, those-those are
boats, not boots! l couldn't wear them
That's just what the gentleman in our
top back room says. He says the boots
would disgrace his feet"
THAT is no reason why / should disgrace
mine with them" cried Bumpus, in wrath.
Take them away, girl or I'll throw them
out of the window"
Please, SIR she cried, i'm some distress
do please try EN- on-just one minute.
Our top back rooms such a harbitrary
gent-a seafaring sort what swears hor-
full, and is always going about with a
glass under his harm. Do, please, sir! I'll
button them up in jiffy.'
Leave the room! roared Bumpus,
land tell this old, old sailor, that he shall
not insult me with impunity. My compli-
ments, Mr.. John Bumpus of Adelaide-rd.,
Islington, and l have made no mistake
Bless my soul. 1 could put both my feet
into one of those bucketsn
please. mum, appealingly to Milly,
Pm just afeard to go back with them!
The captain, as missus calls him, will
swear horful!'
81 don't care whether he does or not
Take them out of my sight. I'll get rid of
them!' He started up, seized the Offend
ing boots, and went towards the open win
dow, when Mrs. Cocks interposed.
Law Mr.. Bumps!" she exclaimed,
"don't be so hasty! It's just a mistake,
and daresay if you asked the gentleman
to look at
"Ill ask nothing, ma'am. It's for him
to apologize"
ooh! papa, dear, don't spoil your holt
day quarreIling. Mr. Jenkins knows this
gentleman. / saw them walking together
before he came to stay next door He
only came in yesterday DO ask Mr.. Jen-
kins to settle the matter. Is Mr. Jenkins
in?
''He is just having his breakfast, re-
turned the slavey.
"Then pray ask him to comer cried
Miliy, land take away the boots!"
u don't think they are, Mr.. Bumpus."
said Mrs. Cocks, in an uncertain tone,
looking carefully at the offending articles
you think!'' shouted Bumpus; you
ought to be sure L hate inaccuracy Mrs
Cocks"
"Bless me! 1t is hard to be sure of any
thing, Mr. Bumpus."
Meantime, The slavey had vanished, and
almost Immediately Mr.. Jenkins, dressed
in correct seaside style, made his appear
ance.
Good morning. Miss Bumpus," Good
morning. sir Can l be of any use2
What's the row."
Whereupon the trio with one voice ex-
planned matters. Mr. Jenkins laughed
pleasantly, II think | shall be able to set
that right" he said, Though the admiral
is a crusty crochety old fellow, accustom-
ed to have his own way. He has craze
about his feet. You see. he is very highly
connected, a regular aristocrat, and con-
feo CT ON IF
and all that; but. by George, sir, yours
give mis- the go-by"
There was a sporting tone about Jen-
kins which greatly impressed Milly and
her aunt.
admiral" repeated Bumpus, in ques.
tioning and slightly awe-struck tone rs
he an admiral2'
Eyes" returned jenkins, lightly. "Ad-
miral Sir Rattlin Eastwood, not K G. g..
you know. a baronet in his own right. he
was a good friend to my father who, in
his turn, often did the old gentleman
service"
ooh, indeed" said Bumpus, much molli
fed. IL should be sorry to seem wanting
in politeness to a man of his rank! an"
ooh, he Is quite plain sort of fellow.
as he thinks himself above trities. Still,
ia make him hear reason. lie
Is a regular Old tar. They tell
some funny stories about him
and Prince Alfred. Leave the boots to
me, SIR" ana Jenkins left the room. In
the passage he found Milly. who had slip
ped out unperceived.
what a man you are!" she whispered.
Have you got up all this
mo- but I'm general enough TO make
the most of lucky chance. Wen man
age the dad yet; ard Milly, my darling.
don't think me "A Boosting idiot. My
father was the admirafs butler and body
servant, and as good a gentleman as the
best OF them. I'll make use of the connec-
ton"
A long, quiet kiss, and Mr. jenkins ran
down The steps, and disappeared.
"rhis Is a remarkable incident" OBJ
served Mr. Bumpus blandly. "Of course,
a little mistake OF this description IS quite
q different matter when 1t is made by an
admiral--and a baronet. Not that ! can
admit his boots are my size; still, ! should
like an opportunity of explaining to him
that--eh2-- What do you think Milly?'
I'm sure / don't know what to think,
pa"
Mr.. Bumpus pulled down his walstcoat
and walked to and fro. "of course am
not the sort of man 10 over-value rank or