Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1904-04-06
THE MAID WAS NO FOOL.
Sentlemanly Intruder with Thievish
Intention Compliments the One
Who Fooled Him.

Thieves, if the adage may be trusted.
nave a fine senes of humor. This is the
story of one who was enough OF the
fine gentleman to recognize ability and
admire it, even when its possessor had
foiled his best laid plans for generous
loot
One afternoon 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 in
polite and friendly manner, a tall, dis
tinguished looking and we'll dressed man,
who requested the privilege Of seeing
Mrs. Blank for moment on business OF
Importance.
Mrs Blank has gone out and left no
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 vexed voice. cit is SO i'm
portant. May l come in and wait for
short time? She may return"
The maid led the way into the recep-
ton hall and bade 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 respect
full distance, with her profile severely
outlined by 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
other maid appeared.
Annette, this gentleman desires to
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-
markably well defined. The pencil and
paper were brought and handed to the
polite stranger. He did not begin writ
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 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 hal
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 l should give it to you i'm
mediately you returned"
Her mistress handled it curiously, OBJ
served the address with some doubt, ant
opened the envelope She read care
! fully twice and then looked inquirinsI,
at the maid. What does this mean
Nary" she asked. "Tfere, read it."
Mary took the note and read it. Sh'
smiled slightly as she t.SldSd it back
"He means, madam, that he did no
enjoy his stay, l think"
The note read:
Mrs. Blank-Dear Madam: A complet
stranger takes the liberty of informing
you of what you are probably alread
aware, and with great pleasure attests L
the valuable fact that your maid is no foo
Her profound admirer,
"A FRIEND OF RAFFLES."