Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1910-04-22
The Accomplished
Mrs. Thompson
By NoRvAL RICHARDSON
Copyright. by J. B. Lippincott Coz

(Copyr1ght, by J. B. Lppincott Coz
''Dick, it's wonderful! I've found
the very woman"
This was Aunt Sarah's greeting to
me after my absence Of three months,
but 1t was SO characteristic of her
this plunging into the middle Of a sub
ject without any preliminaries that
I dispensed with the customary ques-
tions about health and other minor
details and followed her to a quiet
corner Of the cafe, where she had al
ready procured a table.
What is her name?" / asked, feel
ing that I ought to ask some kind of
question.
Mrs. Thompson"
"a married woman! Any chill
lNEen?"
mo children, and don't think a
husband. OF course didn't like to
inquire too particularly"
did you engage herr"
Eyes, and she is waiting now for
you to appoint the day for her to
come"
told her of our little journey in
England, and how Bette had decided
to remain with some relatives when
l was called back to New York on
business. She was to join me, how
ever, in a week now, and had written
me to be sure and procure maid-of-
all-work and begin housekeeping in
the little suburban cottage which we
had bought and furnished before leav-
ing on our summer trip. OF course
l had done nothing of the sort, and
had gone to hotel until she came.
But as the time approached l felt
conscience-stricken in not having the
house open for her arrival. In my
predicament had telephoned Aunt
Sarah, who was spending the summer
at a nearby seashore resort, asking
her to come in town for a day and
select the maid and anything else
that was necessary.
There is just one thing more that
I want you to do for me, Aunt Sarah, :"
said, when we could keep away from
the aI-important subject no longer.
Il have to leave town in the morning
for several days. Will you go out to
the cottage with Mrs. Thompson to-
morrow, and show her around? You
know I expect Bette to arrive next
Thursday, so that will only give her
few days to get the house in run
ming order. thought l should not
move out until Bette comes, but that
will not keep the maid from getting
her things out there, and, for that
matter, she can remain after to-mor-
row. if she wishes to-"
Aunt Sarah agreed with me about
this, so left town the next morning,
feeling that was a particularly lucky
man.
When l returned the next Thursday
/ found a Marconi message awaiting
me at the hotel, saying the steamer
was due to arrive at noon that day.
This gave me Just two hours in which
to get down to the dock. There was
also note from Aunt Sarah, saying
that she had left everything in beau
tiful order at the cottage, and had
returned to the seashore, adding that
she felt sure that we would find Mrs
Thompson treasure.
My first thought was to telephone
Mrs. Thompson that my wife and l
should be out in time for dinner, and
to have everything in readiness. 1t
was only a few minutes before l re-
ceived an answer to my call. A low,
distinct voice at the other end asked
who I was and what l wanted. l
asked If it were Mrs. Thompson, and
then stated that we should be out
that evening.
I'm delighted! Everything is in
readiness" came the low, modulated
voice.