Evening star., 1909-08-28

resort to the Nonconformist chapel"
Seven o'clock found him seated before
his brightly furnished dining table. The
table of deal, but it was covered
with damask, decked with silver and orna-
mented by the Chambertin. The duke had
a fine appetite and fell to cheerfully on
Monsieur Alphonse's creations. These
were studously rural in their character
Watteau-like confections. Monsieur AL
phonse was dreaming of the Petit Trianon.
The cottage was not large; the sitting
room was in close proximity to the door.
sharp rap of somebody's knuckles on
the door startled him just as he was fin
ishing his first glass of Chambertin. He
was in dem-toilet-a dress Jacket and
black tie. 1t should be added that, al
though daylight persisted outside, tho
blind Of the window was carefully drawn
down.
The knock was repeated-rather impa-
tiently.
Frank" called the duke, in voice
carefully modulated.
I'm on my way, your grace" Frank an
swered, putting his head into the room.
Il merely waited to put a blanket over my
dress coat. Monsieur Alphonse has got into
bed. He looks very natural in his official
apron, your grace.
The next moment the duke heard the
door of the cottage open, and one of the
sweetest voices he had ever listened to in
his lie softly pronounced the question
"Oh. please, are you the man Devil?"
Il really ought to have recollected to
tell Frank about that little mistake of
mine," thought the duke. smiling.
His smile, however, vanished as he
heard Frank, in answer to the question,
shout, with extraordinary vigor. "Yahoo
yahoo. yahoo!"
This will never do" said the duke, rising
and laying down his napkin. The fellow
always overacts. / said idiocy-not mania.
II must see this GIRL said the duke.
Il think I'd better call again tomorrow"
said Miss Angela. I'm in hurry now
it's mothers meeting night I'll come in
tomorrow. Will you give this to your
brother? Mamma sent it. Can you under
stand me, poor fellow?"
"Yahoo, yahoo," murmured Frank.
The door closed The duke dashed to
the window.
Upon my word" said the duke. Yes,
upon my word.' he repeated, twirling his
mustache as he returned to the table.
Frank entered, holding a silver salver.
ments. your grace
entree."
Very good, your grace"
Frank withdrew and the duke examined
the paper which he had taken from the
salver. 1t acquired a certain interest
from having passed through Miss Angela's
hands. The duke fingered it delicately
a1aA arrfxrn = cd A
Dram for a Drinker; or. Just a Drop to
Do You Good"
He rose early the next morning-and OBJ
served the weather anxiously. 1t rained
heavily. Good he said, feeling his back
'One can't dig in the wet. l shall have
time to arrange affairs"
He had, in fact, tasks of no small deli
cacy to achieve. The first was with Mon
sieur Alphonse. The duke courteously re-
quested the chefs presence. Frank being
the intermediary. Alphonse came.
Monsieur" said thA uuke. II have to
make sad communication to YOU"
"Helas, Monsieur lie Due" said Monsieur
Alphonse.
Il shall not dine tonight. No, l shan't
have any dinner at all tonight
But ahis is worse than anything had
expected.
Il shall have tea-at q.
"Mais--," said AlphOnse.
"Bread-and- butter = thickish - and tea
the tea of the grocer du pays"
"Misericorde. Monsieur lie Due will
SUPP"
Possibly AS for tea, understand that
it would be appropriate II you added 4
shrimp. Monsieur, we play part
"A part, Monsieur lie Duc?"
There's lady in the case. Alphonse.'
Everything explains itself"' cried AL
phonse. looking as though he might be
about to throw himself on the dukes
BOSOM And she loves re shrimp"
"Adores it..
TT Is not to be had in this wilderness. l
fear"
mo, Alphonse. Go and get it-at Green
wich, or Wrapping or wherever 1t lives.
Leave at once. Be back at $50. Good
bye, Alphonse-
a lady in re case. l will find re
shrimp cried Alphonse, as he left the
parlor.
Frank remained to be dealt with. The
duke summoned him and addressed him
with a serious air.
You are attached to me- Frank?'
eS, your grace.
Il wish to be alone today. Have the
goodness to occupy Mrs. Hordern's atten-
ton"
II don't rightly know how to do it. your
grace"
What day of the week is it,"
Sunday, your grace"
a fortunate circumstance! One doesn't
dig on Sundays?'
mo. your grace.
THE rain may stop, for all care" said
the duke "Go and occupy Mrs. Hordern,
Frank, and get taken to church. Mitigate
your mental inferiority to a reasonable ex-
tent: and say that the man with the fever
has been removed.
How, your grace?" asked Frank.
Don't trouble me with details. Do as
tell you.''
Very good. your grace"
And let Miss Hordern arrive here at
O'clock
"Yes. your grace.
THAT will do Frank. l shall not go out
today. Leave the corduroys on the bed"
, Thank you, your grace"
And, Frank, in case change my mind,
let there be motor car here and a table
at the Savoy this evening-rather late
.Ill attend to 1t at once, your grace"
At / o'clock Frank returned by circuit