Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-07-01
THE MAID WAS NO FOOL.
InteneSsn Compliments the One
Who Foiled Him.

Thieves. il the adage may be trusted
have fine senes of humor. This is the
| story Of one who was enough of the
fine gentleman to recognize ability ano
, admire it. even when its pOesessor had
foiled his best laid plans for generous
loot.
One afternoon a few days ago the mis-
tress Of one OF the most beautiful of the
new houses along Riverside drive went
out in her carriage, with the Information
that she should not return for several
hours at least. About four O'Clock the
bell rang, and the maid went to the
door. Opening it, she found, smiling IL
polite and friendly manner, tall, dis.
tinguished looking and well dressed man
who requested the privilege of seeing
Mrs. Blank for moment on business OF
importance.
Mrs. Blank has gone out and left nc
word as to when she will come back"
said the maid
Has she been gone long?" inquired
the polished stranger.
about two hours said the maid.
Unfortunate, murmured the
stranger, in ~exed voice. "It is so i'm.
pm CoA1C' ~h1oJ L OOA4C LII anu " CIV All @
short time? She may return
The maid led the way into the recep-
ton hall and babe the elegant stranger
be seated. He settled himself comforta-
bly,, and looked around with critical in
tentness. Bric-a-brac, objects of art
rare bronzes ornamented the tables and
the mantels. The maid sat at a respect
full distance. with her profile severely
outlined by a window. Fifteen minutes
passed. The stranger stirred uneasily
in his deep chair. He spoke:
81 beg pardon, but think it will hard
ly be possible for me to wait longer.
shall therefore leave message for your
mistress. Would you mind providing
me with paper and pencil?"
The maid bowed respectfully and
touched an electric button. The polite
stranger watched her with interest. An
other maid appeared.
Annette, this gentleman desires tc
leave note for madam. Will you please
get paper and pencil from the study?"
She returned to her polite attitude
near the window. Her profile was re-
markedly we'll defined. The pencil and
paper were brought and handed to the
ing at once. He paused, as if in thought
Then he looked long and keenly at the
silhoutte of the maid against the win
dow, and wrote briefly. The note was
inclosed in the envelope and sealed. He
rose to his feet, and with a profound bow
handed it to the respectful and attentive
maid
Kindly give this to your mistress.
No, it will not be necessary to leave my
card. She will understand perfectly"
He bowed and was gone. The maid
watched him until his smooth silk hat
disappeared from view.
A few minutes later her mistress re-
turned, and the maid handed her the
note. "a gentleman left it, madam,
asking that I should give it to you i'm
mediately you returned.''
Her mistress handled it curiously, OBJ
served the address with some doubt, and
opened the envelope. She read care
fully twice and then looked inquiring1y
at the maid. What does this mean,
Mary?" she asked. Here, read it,
Mary took the note and read it. She
smiled slightly as she handed it back.
He means, madam. that he did not
enjoy his stay, l Think
The note read:
s'NIrs. Blank.-Dear Madam: A complete
stranger takes the liberty of Informing
you of what you are probably already
aware, and with great pleasure attests &c
the valuable fact that your maid is fool.
Her profound admirer,
"A FRIEND OF RAFFLES.''
CARR OF BRITISH TROOPS