The Glenwood post., 1914-02-14

Broadway was impatient of latch-keys
bellringing or even knuckle-tapping on
the door
The first thing he noted as the un-
steady Broadway entered was the fact
that his silk hat had been reversed up
on his head: the second was that
someone evidently had been sitting on
his raglan cape while it had been
rolled rather carelessly; the third was
that his face wore an expression of re-
lief and peace with all the world.
Not SO unsteadily that he failed en-
tirely to reach the goal jackson tackled
across the room and found the win
dow. His friendly escort was still evi-
IDENTIFY in his mind, for from the open
window he nov waved . genial hand
kerchief. whispering meanwhile
'Night-night." as II the hearty spirit
which induced the words would take
them to the sidewalk ten score feet be.
low.
Having performed this sacred rite
Of friendship b rsGained the center of
tho room. looked about him ~ II curl
ously. and then went unsteadily to the
grand piano, upon which he placed his
elbow with . nesting search for com
fort which seemed to indicate Q nrm
decision to lean against the instrument
and 80 to sleep without delay. This
would never do. for when his slumber
became deep he would be sure to lose
his balance. Rankin saw the deep ne
esssity for rousing him from his inten.
ton.
Mr.. Jones. Mr.. Jones'" hs urged,
tapping him upon the shoulder.
jackson looked up. sleepily. ~ II a.
tonished at the interruption of his
slumbers. Hello" he said good ma.
turedly. who's there?"
It's Rankin. sir" said Rankin.
Who's 'Rsnkin. sir.'" The tone was
that Of tolerant curiosity to lean 4 to-
tai strangers unimportant identity.
I'm the butler. SIR"
Butler"
Eyes, Mr.. Jones; the butler"
This seemed to rouse his master and
be looked him over with some show Of
interest. "A butler!" he exclaimed in
tones Of deep reproach. Aren't you
ashamed of yourself? When you were
. little boy your mother had great
hopes Of you-thought you were going
to be president OF the United States.
or something like that"
Rankin bowed impassively: he did
not deny it.
Now" said his employer with the
deepest of reproach, you've disappoint
ed everybody. You've turned out to be
nothing but butler. You ought to be
ashamed Of yourself!"
Rankin was not offended; instead
his air was that Of triumph. "Ah, but
see who's butler I am, sir" he ex-
claimed.
Who's butler are your inquired
Broadway. apparently with idlest curl
osity.
I'm your butler, sir"
"Oh. you're my butler7' This seemed
not to be especially astonishing,
though deeply interesting to the mas
ter Of the house.
Yes sir"
Broadway looked at him with Q glad
smile, then with an earnest and enthu-
siastic gravity. He warmly shook his
hand. Il congratulate you, Rankin
I'm very fond Of my butler" His sen
timent rose higher and he patted Ran
kin on the cheek. '1 love my little but
Ter. You must come out with me some
night Rankin
II should like to, SIR" said Rankin
truthfully.
Broadway became gay, mysterious.
He looked at Rankin slyly and himself
essayed to whistle some bars Of the
wedding march. Il know so0sthing
you don't know" he cried irrelevantly.
Rankin listened with respect and
close attention. His curiosity was Al
most painful.
But his master did not satisfy It.
Nov I'll bid you eooA-night. Rankin.
Nightis. nightie!" Genially he waved
his hand at him. laughed. whistled an
other bar or two and elaborately nAAs
the starboard tack toward the door Of
his bedroom.
Rankin made NO protest: he knew
better. when do you wish to b
called, sir?"
"Oh. that's 20. I must Be called" his
master granted after a seconds deep
and serious thought. Then. in . deep
study: Nov, let me see-when do I
wish to be called? What day II it,
Rankin"
Its Thursday. sir"
Thursday? Well. tell you what
you do, Rankin. You call me on Sat
urday"
After this entirely unexpected sug-
gestion to the little butler whom he
loved. he found q devious course into
his bedroom and Rankin, after he had
watched the door close. heard the key
turn In the lock. He sank into . chair.
svea his composurs utterly asstroysd.
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