Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1906-08-25
he Star
Boarder's Pills

Copyright, BY Joseph B. BOwles)

why are we waiting?"
She was newcomer or she would
have known that in this very genteel
boarding house, select as were its
boarders, the star boarder was an Eng
fish baronet and that II was feature
Of honor accorded him that dinner was
never fairly commenced before his ar
rival All the table.
The baronet, TO 90 him justice, was
extremely punctual where replenishing
the inner man was concerned But on
this particular evening he was not in
his accustomed place, and people shut
fed and toyed with rings, and tried TO
appear not to be waiting, till the new
conner yiyacfous, fresh-tinted little
lady, little turned 40, inquired of her
near neighbor the cause of delay. But
at that moment the baronet appeared,
walking slowly, a heavy cloud on his
brow. He took his seat by the side OF
Miss Brown, the lady of the establish
ment, presiding at the head of the Ia
BILE He stopped and whispered to her
in portentious tones.
Can eat no dinner," she answered
aloud il alarmed accents.
Nothing, nothing" said the star
boarder, unless with a melancholy
wave Of his hand, "a spoonful, just a
spoonful Of the soup. No more, not a
drop more" as in obedience to his re-
quest the soup ladle descended to his
plate. Il have not missed taking them
for Is years, and l dare not attempt
anything like full meal without their
aid. Until the mail arrives tomorrow
morning | am a starving man." and
mournfully he applied himself to the
soup rlaced before him. That dis
patched, he rose, and with muttered
apology left the apartment for the
drawing room.
At his departure Miss Brown gave
explanation. The star hoarder could
eat no dinner because his digestive
pills-the last two he possessed till the
morning mail brought fresh supply
had disappeared from the box. The pill
box was still standing on the mantel-
piece, but the pills, so the servant re-
ported who had been sent to fetch
them, were gone
Does he think the servant swal-
lowed them?"
q don't know" answered Mss
Brown, absently, too anxious for the
effect upon her permanent boarder to
join in the general litter around the
table; but he says he shall dismiss
him at once for his earelessness."
nets room?" The newcomer asked the
question with sharp abruptness.
NO 10"
Then it is next to mine" The lady
looked for moment attentively at her
plate, then, after the baronet's exam
pie, RISING, with murmured apologies,
quilted the table and the room.
A minute later found her by the star
boarders chair. Are you quite sure?
Perhaps there is some mistake. Your
servant might have overlooked them.
May he just give one more look?"
Divided between surprise at her in
reference and her pertinacity, the bar
onet, turning, rang the bell near him
and directed his servant to look once
more.
The man Obeyed. He returned, po~-
plexity on his face, with the pill bex
and two innOCent-looking pills there q.
There, told you SOL" said the little
lady with a clap of her small white
hands
The star boarder's first sensation was
joy. Madam" he said, with a stuC.e
bow, you have the witchery CT your
sex" But his brow clouded CHANGING
towards his man-servant, Your care
lessness is objectionable shall dis
miss you from my service. You miz&tI
have cost me the loss Of" He reese
hastily and, courtesy reminding him,
offered his arm to his benefactress.
The two returned to the dining room
Forgive the DOOR man" said the
lady as they went.
mo, madam; such carelessness is
too culpable.