Newport daily independent., 1905-01-05
THE MAID WAS NO FOOL.
Gentlemanly Intruder with Thievish Intention Compliments the One
 Who Rolled Him.

Thieves, if 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 and admire it, even when it's 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 1t, she found. smiling in a 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 a vexed voice. "It is so inn portant. May I come in and wait for short time? She may return"
 The maid led the way into the recep- tion 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 a window. Fifteen minutes passed. The stranger stirred uneasily in his deep chair. He spoke:
 'T 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 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- markedly well defined. The pencil and paper were brought and handed to the polite stranger. He did not begin writ :ng 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 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 inn mediately you returned"
 Her mistress handled it curiously, ob- served the address with some doubt, and opened the envelope. She read care fully twice and then looked inquiringly at the maid "What does this mean. Mary?" she asked Here, read it."
 Mary took the note and read it. She amiled slightly as she handed it back.
 "He means, madam, that be did not enjoy his stay, I think"
 The note read:
 Mrs Blank.-Dear Madam: A complete stranger takes the liberty of informing you of what you are probably already aware, and with great pleasure attests to the valuable fact that your maid is no fool.
 'Her profound admirer,
 "A FRIEND OF RAFFLES.'