Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-09-08

the front door and bow respectfully as ne
entered. It seemed to him that his bust
ness cares were removed from his Shout
ders when the butler opened the door, and
for years it had been opened at the first
touch of the electric button. This time
there was no response.
It had been hard daS and Bennington
had been hoping that he would find his
nephew in a more compliant mood than
he had left him. He did not intend to
talk business with him, however: he was
determined to bury his own troubles and
bring the boy out, lead him into talking
of his trip and then work gradually up
to discussion of practical things at
home and abroad. Richard Bennington
lived in a strictly practical world, or,
which is much the same thing. he was
convinced that he did. There was moth
ing outwardly practical in a man with a
latchkey in his pocket standing on MS
own doorstep and punching saVagely al
an electric button, but this he continued
to do for several minutes while his anger
took audible and slightly profane express
sion.
Finally he opened the door with his key
and. after entering. slammed it with
bang. He strobe down the fMli and into
the library. 1t was empty and he crossed
and entered the drawing room There he
saw the maid sitting in the most com
Portable chair and reading a pamphlet
For a moment Bennington stood still in
a daze. He had never before doubted
that his establishment was run on sNste-
matte and practical lines. Dick had Sc
verely criticised Its looseness during his
last vacation: but to the elder man 1t
moved with mechanical precision, and he
could scarcely believe his eyes.
Gladys had only read three pages Of the
pamphlet which she had selected before
she was convinced that she favored the
revolution and that ii doomed large on the
immediate horizon AS she was fond of
excitement. she at once decided that i
was her duty to lend the movement her
aid and that without delay. The other
servants were slower. the men being OPP
posed to any active demonstrations at
this time: but the cook was stu smart
ing from Dicks reprimand and she stood
with the maid. The men were Shamed
into Joining the rebellion by Gladys agree
ing to take her post in the front of the
house and meeting the first attack Thus
the domestic staff was practically on
strike.
GLADYS heart was beating rapidly when
Bennington paused in CONSERVATION at
the drawing room door She had gone
over her speech of defiance. she knew
that she was merely carrying into prac-
tice the theories which the son OF the
house advocated; but when the vital mo-
ment arrived the situation assumed CIT
tirely new proportions. she kept repeat
ing to herself Il have nothing to lose
but my chains, I have nothing TO lose but
my chains:' but just at this time the
attractive. and appeared to he her nor
nal support in a position of comparative
ease and comfort. Still, she always
wanted to know how things were going
to turn out so she kept her eyes on the
pamphlet and hoped that her voice would
not break when she proceeded to main
tain her inalienable rights.
Where is that fool butler?' demanded
Pennington, stamping his foot The maid
gave little bounce. but did not raise her
eyes. Il mean you-where is that lool
butler?''
The maid raised her eyes slowly and a
thrill of pride shot through her as she
answered. with outward calm: DO not
know any fool butler.
You don't. huh?' Bennington was
still too shocked to appreciate the cohA-
tons. We'll, there was a person an
swering to that description by the name
of Higgins, still in my employ when |
left this morning. Where Is he!
L last saw Mr. Higgins in the dining
room a half hour ago., repned Giaays'
with quiet dignity.
Bennington emitted a growing snort.
What was he doing? Stand up when
come in. and when you do sit down, hnd
some other place. what are you fedoihS-
Give it to mel
The maid tried with all her strength to
remain seated; she found 1t impossible
Something within her raised her to her
feet and made her take a step toward her
employer.
..Where did you get it, he asked. as
he ierked the pamphlet from her hand.
at was given to me by Mr.. Dick, sir
Pennington turned the book over saw
agely and read its title aloud: The Tn
controvertible r.,1-title Theory" Have
you any land Jules which are bothering
you2'