The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1902-01-09
A LOST
ADDR ESS
Copyright. 1901, by Authors Syndicate.)
BvFRANk H. SWEET


"Well, that is too bad!'
She was sitting on the floor of one
of the rooms of Fifth avenue hotel,
anxously examining the contents of
small valise, which were presently
scattered in semicircle before her.
That the search was unsuccessful was
apparent from the gathering frown
on her face At length she thrust the
various articles back into the valise
and walked impatiently to window.
Several minutes of silent consterna-
clear, ringing laugh.
"Sure, this is one on you, Miss
Flighty Head" she cried, merrily.
"Would not Reggie laugh if he knew.
But he shall not find out. No, indeed!"
with grimace. 'He would never let
me hear the last of it. But what shall
do? Three thousand miles from
home, with only five pounds in my
purse, and not the remotest idea in
what part of this hurry scurry New
York Reggie is to be found. Well, nil
desperandum, as papa says. A Fitz-
gerald never gets to his wits ends.
But what ninny to lose that address,
She remained for long time gazing
abstractedly at the telescoping tides of
humanity in the street below, then a
sudden fash came into her eyes.
"Why, of course" she said, as
though she had come to the one natu-
raj conclusion, 81 will earn my living
until can get the address from papa.
He will be up at Ballyshnnnon with his
guns and dogs before this. and it will
take at least six weeks to hear from
him. | have often read letters to the
servants from their people in America,
and they always go to an intelligence
office. | will go TO one myself
On this very day it happened that
Mrs Van Maurice was Unexpectedly
deprived Of her housekeeper. She was
in the midst of a round of gagements
and social duties, and as she prided
herself on the unobtrusive machinery
of her household, this detection filled
her with momentary CONSERVATION.
But she was a woman of resource, and
quick mental calculation convinced
hour from her calls. This she utilized
ina visit to an intelligence office.
young lady was talking with the
clerk when she entered. Several wom-
en- were sitting or standing about the
room in various attitudes of hope Or
dependency. Mrs. Van Maurice gave
them one comprehensive glance, and
then turned to the clerk and waited
Tor him to be at leisure. It was not an
ordinary servant she wanted now. but
one who was competent to take charge
OF her complicated household.
She was liberal patron of the Of
nee, and presently the clerk excused
himself to the young lady-and came
forward,
What can I do for you, Mrs. Van
Maurice?' he asked.
She told him briefly.
Why, really! I am not sure but
THIS person will suit you. She has been
Speaking about just such a place"
Ah!' Mrs. Van Maurice looked at
7 The young lady more closely. She was
uhoenlably prepossessing, and she had
,ne very air that was the delight of
mrs. Van Maurice's fastidious soul.
'Ae was young. of course, but her eyes
were so clear and self-possessed, and
wen, Mrs. Van Maurice did much of
Aer business on impulse.
Alter they had entered the carriage
sne suddenly turned to her companion
win the air of one conscious of having
omitted something.
l believe l forgot to ask your
name?"
~ IS Geraldine-Esther Geraldine"
An. very pretty name And you
sau mat you had had experience in
managing a large establishment
.ooAihs after servants and table deco
aaons and kitchen purchases, and
anu all that? May I ask where you
We're last?"
Inc girl hesitated a little. then
aeo .. at her companion frankly.
at nome. ] have been my fathers
a,eheeper 60, nearly four years. Re-
America" ~ ~ ~
:, an Mrs. Van Maurice possessed
az extensive vocabulary in her "ah's,"
w. .he modulation of fhis one inti-
eo 1hat her questioning was at an
~ ana, indeed, she believed that
60 understood the whole situation
eyoa 1amlly-death-involved estate
maaI opposed heiress seeking employ
So, mat was all; and it was so
-: npie that she immediately dis
ssa the matter from her mind.