The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1907-01-31
The Star
boarder's Pills

BY p. A. BlYTk

why are we waiting"
She was a newcomer or she would
have known that in this very genteel
boarding house, select as were its
boarders, the star boarder was an Eng
lish baronet, and that it was "A feature
of honor accorded him that dinner was
never fairly commenced before his ar
rival at the table.
The barOnet, to do him Justice, was
extremely punctual where replenshing
the inner man was concerned But on
this particular evening he was not in
his accustomed place, and people shut
red ana toyed with rings, and tried TO
appear not TO be waiting, till the new
conner, a vivacious, fresh tinted lttls
lady, little turned 40, inquired of her
near neighbOr the cause of delay. But
at that moment the baronet appeared,
walking slowly, 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 pOrtcntiOus tones.
Can eat no dinner!" she answered
aloud Ill alarmed accents.
Nothing, nothing said the star
boarder, unless" with melancholy
wave OF his hand, IA spoonful, just Il
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 10 years, and | dare not attempt
anything like a full meal without their
aid. Until the mail arrives tomorrow
morning | am a starving man" and
mournfully he applied himself to tho
soup laced 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 boarder could
eat no dinner because his digestive
pils-the last two he possessed till the
morning mail brought a 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?"
Il don't know" answered Miss
Brown, absently, too anxious for the
effect upon her permanent boarder &c
join in the general litter around the
table; but he says he shall dismiss
him at once for his careessness.
What is the number of the baro-
nets Ioom?" The newcomer asked the
question with sharp abruptness
No Is"
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
boarder's chair Are you quite sure?
Perhaps there is some mistake Your
servant might have overlooked them.
May he just give one more looh? ?"
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. per-
plexity on his face with the pill box
and two innocent-looking pills therein.
There / rold you sol' said the Attle
lady, Win O. clap of her small white
hands
The star boarder's first sensation was
JOY. Madam" he said. with studied
bow. you have the witchery of your
sey." But his brow clouded. CHANGING
towards his man-servent, Your care
Iessuess Is objectionable. | shall dis
miss YOU from my service You might
have cost me the loss Of" He rose
hastily and, courtesy reminding him,
offered his arm to his benefactress.
The two returned to the dining room
Forgive the poor man said the
aly az they went
No, madam, such carelessness Is
too cuspable.
And you are feeling quite well this