Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-03-07
TX
The Heroine Hires a Groom.

Remarkable as Ii may read, his first inn
preston was Of her gown-a gown such as
women wear on those afternoons when they
are free of social obligations. a gown to
walk in or to lounge in. The skirt, which
barely reached to the top of her low shoes.
was Of some blue stuff (stuff. because to
mans mind the word covers feminine dress
goods generally. literally and handily), over
shot with gray. Above this she had put on
white golfing sweater, garment which at
that time was just beginning to find vogue
among women who loved the fields and the
road. Only men who own to stylish sisters
appreciate these things, and Warburton
possessed rather observant eyes. She held
a bunch of freshly plucked poppies In
her hand. 1t was the second time that
their chances had met and held. In
the previous episode ION the day
she had leaned out of the cab
hers had been first to fall. Now it
his turn. He studied the tips of his
shoes. There were three causes why he
lowered his eyes: First. she was mistress
here and he was an applicant for employ
ment: second he loved her; third he was
committing the first bold dishonesty in his
life. Once, it on the very tip of his
tongue to confess everything, apologize, and
take himself off. But his curiosity was of
greater weight than his desire. He re-
manned silent and waited for her to speak.
Celeste. you may leave u.s." said Miss
Annesey.
Celeste courtesied. shot killing glance at
the tentative groom and departed the
scene.
''You have driven horses for some length
of timer" the girl began.
If only he might look as calmly and fear
heard it in it's normal tone! YES madam;
1 have ridden and driven something like
ten years.
''Where?"
'In the west, Mostly
you are English?'
mo, madam" He wondered how much
she had heard at the police court that
morning. Il am American born"
care you addicted to the use Of intoxi
cants?"-mentally noting the clearness of
the whites of his eyes.
The barest flicker of a smile stirred his
lips.
last night-that is. not in the sense the Of
ficers declared 1 had. 1t Is true that take
drink once In while, when l have been
riding or driving all day, or when / am
cold. I have absolutely no appetite
She brushed her cheeks with the peoples,
and for a brief second the flowers threw
most beautiful color over her face and neck.
What was your object in climbing on the
it?"
Quick as a flash of light he conceived his
answer. Madam it was jest between
me and some maids He had almost said
serving maids, but the thought of Nancy
checked this libel
Between you and some maids?' family
contemptuous. Explain, for / believe an
explanation is due me-
His gaze was forced to rove again. We'll,
madam, it is truly embarrassing. Two maids
were to enter a carriage and was to drive
them away from the embassy, and once l
had them in the carriage l thought 1t would
be an admirable chance to play them a
trick
pray, since when have serving maids
been allowed exit from the main hall Of
the British embassy?
Mr.. Robert was positive that the shadow
of sarcastic smile rested for a moment
on her lips. But it was instantly hidden
under the peoples.
"That is something of which I have Il
intimate knowledge. A groom is not sup
posed to turn his head when on the box
unless spoken to. You will readily under
stand that. madam. l made a mistake in
the number. Mine was seventy-one and 1
answered number seventeen. l was con-
fused"
II dare say. Seventy-one,' she unused.
at will be eesy to verify this, to find out
whose carriage that was"
Mr.. Robert recognized his mistake, but
he saw no way to rectify it. She stood
silently gazing over his shoulder. into the
fields beyond.
Perhaps you can explain to me that re-
niarkable episode at the carriage door? i
should be pleased TO hear your explana-
ton"
1t had come-the very thing he had dread
ed had come. He had hoped that she would
ignore it. Madam, l can see that you have
sent for me out of curiosity only. If 1 Of
ferred any disrespect to you last night. l
pray you to forgive me. For, on my word
of honor. 1t was innocently done" He
bowed, and even placed his hand on the
knob of the door,
Have a little patience. l prefer myself
to forget that disagreeable incident The
truth is, ION my word of honor. coming
,InI rtv~ ix,h nrn
and she wanted to learn more about this
fellow "Mr. Osborne. what were you be-
fore you became a groom?"
IT have not always been a groom, 1t is
obscurity. There is nothing in that past,
however, of which need be ashamed-and
unconsciously his figure became more erect.
rs your name Osborne?"
NO madam, 1t is not. For my family's
sake, have tried to forget my own name"
Ull wager the rascal never felt qualm In
the region of his conscience9
1t was this truth which was not truth that
won his battle.
you were doubtless discharged last
4 did not return to ascertain. madam. I
merely sent for my belongings.
You have recommendations? pres
Il have no recommendations whatever,
madam. If you employ me- it must be done
on your own responsibility and trust in
am honest, that l am willing. that pos
sess thorough knowledge of horse-fesh."
1T is very unusual she said, searching
him to the very heart with her deep blue
eyes. "For all I know you may be the
greatest rascal, or you may be the honestest
man, in the world" His smile was so frank
and engaging that she was forced to smile
herself But she thought of something, and
frowned. IF you have told me the truth,
so much the better; for l can easily verify
all you have told me. 1 will give you
weeks trial. After all. "-indifferently--
what 1 desire is capable servant You
will have to put up with a good deal. There
are days when am not at all amiable. and
on those days I do not like to find a speck
of rust on the metals or blanket that has
not been thoroughly brushed. As for the
animals. they must always shine like satin.
This last is unconditional. Besides all this,
our force of servants is small Do you know
anything about serving?"
Every little" What was coming now?
''The chef will coach you. 1 entertain
some, and there will be times when you
will be called upon to wait on the table.
Come with me and 1 will show you the
horses. We have only five, but my father
takes great pride in them. They are all
thoroughbreds.'
Like their Mistress was Warburtons
mental supplementary.
Father hasn't ridden for years however.