Morris tribune., 1908-02-22
FLOWER PO IN N

a.
gentleman. bachelor of somewhat &c
centric disposition, whose ruling pas
sion was for his garden.
This was kept in admirable order
and decorated with profusion of or
naments in the very height of suDur-
han fashion-leaden Cupids, slate sun
dials. grottoes of oyster shells and look
ING glass, heaps of iints and overburn-
ed bricks denominated rockWork ana,
beyond and above all, with magnlh-
cent vase filed with a flaming cluster
Of fuchsias. geraniums and number
Of plants with brilliant blossoms ana
unutterable names which faced the en-
trance
Here one fine afternoon when the
flowers and reached their acme OF re-
fulgence Mr.. Theodore pulled up ms
dennet. A powerful pull at the bell
brought sort of half groom, half gar
dener, to the gate.
"Take the mare round to the stable,
put her in a loose box and rub ner
down we'll. I'll come and see her fed
myself in a few minutes. None of you
rascals is to be trusted"
So saying the young gentleman threw
the reins to the domestic, marched lei
surely along the broad, brown, sugar
like looking walk, dexterously cutting
off here and there an overgrown car
nation with his whip, and entered the
hall.
Giving another tremendous jerk to
the bell wire in passing, he walked into
the dining room, the door of which
happened to be open, took up maga-.
zine and threw himself at full length
upon the sofa. A tidily dressed maid
servant appeared at his summons.
Bring me glass of brandy and wa
ter, my dear, and send Boots"
Boots, brandy and water!' exclaim-
ed the astonished girl.
you may fetch me pair of slippers
yourself if you like, so make haste
and you shall have a kiss when you
come back"
Duped by the authoritative air as
sumed by the visitor lit would be indie
corous to suppose another motive), the
attendant disappeared and speedily re-
turned with the slippers, observing, IF
you please. sir, | have brought you a
pair but they are masters, and he is
rather particular"
Nonsense, Where's the brandy and
Water:'
HE never leaves out the spirits. sir:
he always keeps the key in his pocket"
He must be a deuced odd sort Of
fellow then. Send him here
master is dressing, sir; be will be
down directiy." Aud accordingly, aft
er a few minutes Mr.. made his
appearance in fu!! evening: dress.
My good friend" commenced Hook.
without raising bis eye; from the pa
per- '':lloU' ii" 10 observe shat the
rules of E0Ur esca Uiis1meut are d little
Inconvenience to Travellers | have been
here above a quarter of an hoGl and
have not been able to get So much as
a glass of brandy and wafer. Bring
me one Immediately and let me know
what you have for dinner
II really beg your pardon" said old
Mr. as soon as he could find words
''but | am quite at a loss
l.. .
of brandy and water Bring that and
another for yourself, and then l shall
be happy to hear whatever you have
to say"
But. sir you must permit me to
state
Il was never in such a detestable
house in my life," exclaimed Hook,
starting up. What do you stand there
for instead of attending to my orders?
Am l to be kept here starving all
night? Bring the brandy and water,
d'ye hear|'
The old gentleman was struck posi-
lively speechless. his face purpled. He
seemed in imminent peril of choking
with a sudden confiux of ire, indig-
nation and establishment
why, the fellows drunk pursued
Theodore: "disgracefully drunk at this
time of day. and in his own parlor too.
shall feel it my duty. sir, to lay
statement of this inexeusable conduct
before the BENCH
Mr.. - sprang to the bell. John!
Thomas! Turn this impudent scoun-
lrel out of the house,
The arrival of the servants led to an
explanation. Nothing could exceed Mr..
Hooks regret. What apology could
De made? He was perfect stranger
% Sunbury, had been directed to the
Flewerpot as the inn affording the best
Icconm odation. and on seeing what he
imagined to be a gigantic representa-
ion of the sign in question at the gar
len gate he had naturally entered and
Lcted upon this erroneous impression.
This was the unkindest cut of all To
ind a stranger reclining in full possess
ion OF his sofa and slippers was bad !
but to hear the highest achieves
nent of art he possessed-the admira-
ion of himself and friends and the
my of all Sunbury. his darling vase
0 hear this lkened to an alehouse sign
vas humiliation which dwarfed into
all preceding insults
IODdOn EVENING NauS