The herald., 1897-02-16

with an extendede account of his idea
of luck. My aunt flowed off into long
recital concerning the dullness of life at
Newport. which my cousin frequently
interrupted with expressions of dissent
or approval. i responded with obs, abs
ard indeeds, and furtively watched
Branton as he served the oysters. His
usually ruddy face was as pale as my
povertys his hands trembled as he
moved about his duties and he seemed
studiously to avoid the glances of the
whole company. I wanted to smile at
him, and, If possible, cheer him with q
wink. but he simply would not be winked
at.
what lovely butler you have!" ex-
claimed Lyvia, as he jeft the room for
the third course, the roast we had taken
so much pains over, and the potatoes
l had cut my hands in peeing. the peas
we had purchased in a can and boiled
or stewed, or something like that.
"A splendid-looking fellow, 1 re-
marked to Vandergust just before you
came in" said Carter. Il think he was
lucky to get him. Don't you think he
was lucky, Miss Mell?"
Her reply was inaudibe. Branton's
return necessitated a new line of con-
versation. So that he might have a
little fur out of il spoke of the cook.
IF you will pardon me for burdening
you with my housekeeping woes ven-
tured. II will ask your advice about q
cook. l can't get good one"
Il think he or she does very well in-
deed" said my aunt.
But good ones won't stay"
"A matter of days out. 1 suppose?"
Perhaps you don't pay them," ven-
tured Carter, facetiously.
| laughed at this, and succeeded in
bestowing a wink on the"butler. where-
upon he Immediately dropped the prec-
ious dish of potatoes, so that they went
tracking over Holwoods fine old Turk
ish rug. The miscreant servant, in a
moment of confusion and forgetfulness,
fell upon his knees and tried to sweep
them back into the dish with his arms,
as he would have gathered in an abb
normally large stack of chips. My guests
and | assumed an air of complete obliv-
iousness to the incident and by the time
he had arisen from the floor, with hair
disheveled and burning face, and es-
capped from the room, we We're talking
of the west.
You know, Frank" laughed my aunt,
you eastern men have absolutely
failed to make an impression on Rosa"
I'm certain Miss Nell has not failed
to make an impression, a deep impress
sion, on we eastern men," observed Car
ter gallantly. do you think she has
failed?" Vandergust.
I'm competent to speak for but two,"
1 replied, but 1 will say
Mr.. Vandergust does me an injus-
tice,' cried Miss Nell. Il do like New
York men"
But none are quite as fascinating as
certain person you met on your faith
er'S ranch" interrupted my cousin
"A cowboy?" asked Carter, suddenly
becoming intensely interested.
"A COW puncher. if you WILL" laughed
the fair girl with a revolver, a red shirt
md nII ha nj to- s-,4tti ti,,ev
she tries to laugh it Off" cried Ly-
via. But, really. Mr.. Carter it's true"
Nonsense, Lyvia," Miss Nell eX-
claimed, with the most charming possi-
bic frown.
Don't deny it," said T. for was really
getting just a bit anxious. II can i'm
asine him myself-a tall, bronzed chap,
with flowing black locks, piercing eyes,
noble brow"
And a beard-a lovely vandyke;
don't forget that" my cousin inter-
rupted.
"A cowboy with Vandyke! Hum,
Dangerous exclaimed Carter. Don't t
hyou think it's dangerous, Vandergust ."
/ admit that Carter has not a great
mind, but at that instant it ran in the
same channel as mine, for to me ii had
occurred that a cowboy in Vandyke
was suspicious. The thing savored of tho
gentleman; perhaps one of those fellows
"
even like Branton.
My aunt smiled complacently
Miss Nell leaned back in her chair ana
sighed. oh Lyvia, why did you ever?"
why, Rosa, you confessed it all;
you know you did" cried my irrepres-
sible cousin. And, what do you Think"
She leaned over as If about to impart to
my ears alone a secret of vast import.
Il don't think" l answered II SIM
ply await"
"Ly-vi-a!'
My cousin passed unheeded this gem
tie, plaintive remonstrance, and in a
stage whisper said: Il found her ono
day shedding crocodile tears over his
Photographic Notwithstanding thing,
with fringy edges, You know, and a gilt
border, and a"
The burst of laughter that interrupted
this disclosure was drowned by crash
of china behind the screen that hid the
door Of the buffers pantry, thud as
of a heavy body falling, a moan. +
sprang from the table and tossed aside
the screen. Disclosed to our view, pros
trate on the floor, his head resting in a
| mass of broken dishes. lay my friend and
| butler.
"Branton!" cried, falling down by his
side.
He made no reply, for he was uncon-
scious.
Carter and I picked him up and laid
| him in a heavily cushioned window seat.
What a clumsy butler! Ring for the
| SerVants" cried my aunt who in ths
| general confusion seemed to think that
| she alone was calm, and by virtue OF
that calmness in duty bound to take
| command.
He's not my butler!" T exclaimed.
| forgetting appearances. TITS Branton-
| Jim Branton, the best fellow"
Water! Water!" screamed Lyyia.
| / dashed to the table and seized glass.
| and when / turned again to- my injured
| friend, Rosa Nell was on her knees at
his side. wiping his forehead with her
| handkerchief. Suddenly his eyes opened
| and rested on hers.
| Rosa! Rosa.' he muttered, and he
! suddenly reached out his arm and Dire w
| her head down toward him.
/ glanced at the others and pointed
to the door. Silently we passed out CT
| the room.
| well! | never!' my aunt exclaimed,
as the portieres closed behind us.
| thought the cowboy was joke, but a
| butler"
"Sh." whispered Lyvia And through
| the heavy curtains came
Why did you run away from the
ranch, Jih?"
| ''Why-why-beca poor devil like
| me had no right even to hope. New
York Sun.
The Pour Burden Bearers
Food, fuel, clothing and shelter are the
| four essentials of existence in our eli