The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-07-18
The Folly Of Mr. SeIlartou,


The family was away, end Mr.. seller-
ton, the butler, released Aherefore from
the more arduous dutles Of his office, was
strolling idly about the lovely grounds
deep in the contemplation of nature and
the enjoyment Of a prime Havana The
sun shone brilliantly % the fine old man
sion, the sweeping lawns and flower deck
ed beds and terraces, and Mr.. SeIlarton
gazed on the scene and sighed enviousiy.
Why had fate not proved kinder 10
him?" he asked himself mentally. why
were some men born to such an tnher1-
lance as this and others TO q life OF un-
dignified seryitude? After all IT was
mere accident OF birth. Take the Earl
himself now, was he to be compared for
one single moment as fas as physical
beauty and mental accomplishments went
with him (Sellarton)? A little weakened.
dried-up chip Of a man, looking Tar more
like a Newmarket stable help than a
peer Of ancient lineage" SeAarton con-
jured up a mental picture Of the refiec-
ton his mirror had given him half an
hour since-a tall, stately, fine built inquire
Of a man, in well cut tweeds and neatly
fitting tan boots, and he smiled bitterly
at the contrast.
BY this time he had reached the front
OF the house, crossed the wide carriage
sweep. and skIrting the broad avenue OF
beeches struck out across the park In
the direction Of the lake. As he drew
near he became aware OF a figure In white
leaning over the parapet Of an ornamen-
tai bridge and watching the swans on the
water. Closer inspection showed 1t TO be
that of a young lady.
She looked up with q startled express
sion on her charming face as the buffers
heavy footstep crunched on the gravel.
Mr.. Sellarton regarded her gravely, and
her eyes fell timidly before his gaze.
rs ira
pompously, ''ain't you aware you're tres
passin'?"
The fair intruder colored in pretty con-
fusion. lin afraid ana" she answer
ed; but found the park gates open, and
it all looked so lovely I couldn't resist
the temptation to see q little more OF
your exquisite place. I'm sure I'm sorry,
my-my lord"
AFR. Sellarton drew himself UP. Mis-
takes me for the Earl, by Jove" he
thought. "a natural error. too"
Don't mention 1t. Miss-Btss Robinson,
thank you. I'm always glad to allow
visitors of-er-respectability to inspect
the place; but, OF course. you can under
stand that 1t would never do to allow
any rff-ran in. Are you staying in the
na'brood, may arsk?"
20, no, 1 live in London. Auntie and
I have cycled down today, that's ALL"
"And your aunt?' said Mr.. Sellarton in
terrogatively.
as minding the machine outside the
gates" was the reply. She was too
nervous to come In. 1 presume, by the
way, that / am addressing Lord Acre
toni"
Mr.. Sellarton did not hesitate The ir-
telligence that his questioner was a
stranger in the neighborhood had al
ready decided him on sustaining the titu-
lar dignity unexpectedly thrust upon him.
Under the circumstances there was little
chance of the representation being discov-
cred. He bowed therefore and replied:
''Yes. Miss Robinson, / am the Earl, but
fear; there's no false pride about me,
I assure you. Now. II you'll just fetch
your worthy relative here I'll show you
both over the grounds and welcome"
And Miss Robinson said she was sure
auntie would feel honored, and that lady,
having been formally introduced and per-
sonally confirming her niece's assurances,
the inspection was duly proceeded with,
Mr.. Sellartof playing the condescehding
nobleman TO his own entire satisfaction.
The sensation was delicious; the admir-
ing comments. and respectful department
of the two ladies was balm to his wound
ed soul still marching from the recent
reflection on Fate's unkind decree. So
much did he enjoy the experiment, In
fact, that when there was nothing more
to be seen In the grounds he graclously
volunteered to show them over the house.
And so ne did, too, and you can't think
how interested the ladies were, perhaps,
peering here and there, looking out from
this window and that, and asdng-simple
souls-a hundred and one questions touch
ing an endless variety Of subjects. And
then the Earl would insist upon them
having sherry and biscuits In the great
dining-room. and waited on them with
his own hands, too. Then he walked
with them as far as the park gates, re-
turned their respectful adieu with becom-
ing condescension and-presto! the brief
dream OF greatness was over and he was
Mr.. SelIarton, the butler, again.
The family returned at the end Of the
month, and about a fortnight later q
daring and completely successful burgla-
~ was perpetrated at the court. The nu.
merous detectives were absolutely at
fault, but they were all agreed that the
thieves must have possessed an intimate
personal knowledge OF the interior ar
rangements OF the mansion and general
customs OF the household. No one else,
they said. could have worked the job so
quickly and so neatly. Most Of the serv-
ants have their own opinions. and they
do not hesitate to air them. Mr.. Sellar-
ton, like the rest. has his ideas, too, but
for some reason or other he doesn't care
to make them public.-Ally Sloper.