The Raymer enterprise., 1912-03-07
Master and Man

ration for his masters return after a
weekend vacation. Everything was
finished save the final touches; the
books were back upon their shelves,
the mirror was spotless, even the soil.
taire board, with which Lord Jocelyn
was wont to assuage his moments OF
ennui, shone like ebony. Satisfied at
last with the results Of his labor, Tai
bot put down his duster and sighed
heavily.
ITS bad business" he said sadly.
What ls father will say to 1t don't
= know. But It's i'm I'm sorry for"
He caught sight OF his disconsolate
visage In mirror over the mantel
and shook bis fist at 1t.
SILLY hass." he cried. pounding his
temples; why didn't you save I'm
from that 'ussy? Answer me that,
Talbot, or old your blasted tongue for
hever."
Suddenly, as though seized with an
inspiration. he went to the writing
desk. opened drawer and pulled out
bundle OF letters. from some OF
which he removed the envelopes.
MY darling Dick.'" he read with
disgust "Dick!" he muttered. Fancy
the likes OF 'er calling i'm Dick. A
common shop girl, that's what she is.
the mink. Wrapped up Is packages
and found e was lord an set 'er
cap at i'm! Talbot. It's hup to you to
hact, as the Yankees say"
He turned the sheet and read on, his
features contorted with various emo
tions In which disgust predominated.
When We are one. my darliSg,
my love shall be yours for ever.
Though you are Of humble birth, and
poor'-so 'e's been stringin' 'er, as
'e?-y0u are a hundred times too good
for me. But my love shall shield
you"
Talbot thrust the letter back into
Its envelope, tied up the package again
and replaced 1t in the drawer; then
closed the desk.
'The fact Is, Talbot" he solIlo-
quized. Lord Richard, e's gone batty
hover designing shop 'ussy, what
ain't worth wiping is boots hon. An
hits gone too far now. Talking OF
getting married next week, e is. An
then-then wot? 'E's ruined, that's
wot. An so, SOMETHING'S got to be
done an you're a.goin' to do It."
He sank into chair and buried his
head In his hands. remaining silent
for an appreciable interval. At last
he rose abruptly and betook himself
into the hall He came back, holding
a letter. which he carefully placed
away In his breast pocket. Then. TAX.
ing the telephone receiver from It's
hook, he called up a district messen-
ger office.
Send me boy at once" he said.
Can you ave I'm ere inside OF III.
teen mnutes?"
The answer was evidently satisfac-
tory. for Talbot's face became more
composed. He began striding up and
down the room noisily.
ITS touch and co." he muttered to
himself But there's nothink else
TO be done. Talbot. you've got to do
It."
Within the period OF time stipulated
the messenger boy arrived and found
Talbot lingering one OF his masters
visiting cards, Give this to Mrs.
Schmidt. SiS East Nlnety.flrst street."
he commanded. And tell 'er to bring
'er daughter round ere right away.
Tell 'er-" he paused to think OF the
message most likely to succeed In its
purpose-"tell 'er it's Il matter of mat.
rlmony." he blurted out.
"Yesslr." said the boy. grInning
And 'ere's dollar and you can
keep the change" Talbot pursued.
Nov beat It."
The boy popped out OF the door and
Talbot watched him scurrying down
the stairs. lie had calculated his
time to nicely, for hardly had he
disappeared through the front door
when Talbot heard his masters step
upon the hall and withdrew into the
sittingroom A minute afterwnrd
Lord Jocelyn entered, flushed with the
eXertion OF running up FIVE flights OF
stairs.
Talbot, Talbot" he called brlskly,
where the devils the letter."
There's no letter come, SIR said
Talbot
mo letter. There must be let
ter. Are you sure you didn't take
one ln!"
Quite sure. Sir" Talbot rejoined
steadily.
Lord Jocelyn flung himself into his
chair. "Then It's all of, Talbot" he
cried 81 can't get married tomor.
row"
(which I'm sorry. SIR" said his serv.
ant respectfully. II remember sir,
when Mrs. Talbot an I. sir"
shut up. you silly old fool" cried
his master In exaspcration. do you
understand what this means to me7
There won't be another English mail
for week now. and haven't five dol.
lars to my name. That's the first time