The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1915-05-21
fcopyr,sht, 1915, by the Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate,


the porter lowered the trunk from nj
shoulder.
Right here behind the door, Heller
showed a chair out OF the way. Tina
small one you can put there by tht
dresser"
While he unstrapped the trunks
Helen got out her purse. Would a SIX
pence tip be enough? But at the las
moment his brass buttons and gill
braid made her tumble hurriedly for
shilling.
When the door closed after him, she
began an eager, delighted inspection o.
the rooms. They were the bachelor
chambers" of an army officer now II
the war. Bedroom, living room and
bath; valet and catering" the adver
tisement had read.
AS they were to be in London sever
al weeks longer, Helen had rebelled at
the hotel room without bath, for which
they we're paying an exorbitant price.
This place she had found through
sheer auckland the London Times.
The furnishings were ideal. There was
an air of distinction about the low
bookcases, the carved sideboard and
the walls hung with deer heads and
foreign trophies.
To Helen it looked like the stage
setting Of a bachelors room In a
Pinero play, the scene where the in
discreet young wife is discovered by
her husband. There was ever a screen
for the lady to hide behind.
Shall I unpack Mr.. Curtis things
now, ma'am"
With a start Helen turned to find
Leopard, the valet, beside her.
II beg your pardon, ma'am, but If
you'll give me the key to Mr.. Curtis
trunk"
Helen thought fast. Her knowledge
of a Wallets duties was vague, gathered
mainly from what she had seen on the
stage. She did not want this man to
unpack Warren's trunk, but she was
too much awed by him to say so.
Nervously she watched him take out
the things and arrange them in the
closet and chiffonier. On account Of
the war they had brought few clothes,
and she was uncomfortably conscious
that Warren's wardrobe must appear
very meager to this smart English
servant.
She tried to seemsvahsorhed in hesa
,Yn unpacking, as with elaborate care
he refolded a pair Of worn, faded
Dajamas that she had thought Warren
could wear once O. before she
threw them away.
Warren's soiled linen he had already
off, while she looked on help
Now he threw a suit over his
arm and started off again.
"Is there anything of yours you'd
ike brushed, ma'am?"
mo, l think not" relieved to have
him go.
But with soft-footed stealth he kept
He brought back War
'en's suit, then took away his shoes.
Then he came in to look after the
open fire. He did not knock, and Helen
'ound herself looking nervously over
Ter shoulder to see If he was there.
Disconcerting as was his presence,
t gave her a delightful feeling Of af-
1uence. Helen's idea of luxury had
been the luxury Of the English
lovel and play. And now that she was |
n something of that atmosphere, she
ried to Tive up to 1t.
Instead of u%npacking in her cotton |
'repe kimono, she slipped on a silk
legligee. And when at four o'clock
he valet brought her tea, she leaned
Jack in one Of the luxurious leather
hairs while he served it before the
ire.
1t was after six when Warren came.
'he greeted him ioyously.
Hello, all settled" as he hung up
is oyercoat.
"Oh, yes, dear, isn't it wonderful? l
ould hardly wait till you came. I'm
Wild about these rooms!"
Looks like we're going to be pretty
comfortable here"
"And just think-itLl not cost any
nore than the hotel"
mot as much-not so many tips.
low about that valet? He showed
p YETI"
Dear, he's been here every minute!
lie doesn't knock, and he walks SO
oftly, you can't hear him"
Don't like him gum-shoeing around.
h?"
"Oh yes-yes," hastily, IF l could
My know when he's coming"
Might mine the entrance hail."
Warren. Hello, where'd this
ONE from? Been having a high.ball"
8 he took up a half-flled syphon from
he sideboard.
ooh, I found that down here" Helen
pened the cupboard underneath. 1.-THE
alet must have overlooked 1t. And
lese, too" taking out a box of ciga-
cites. Look they're crested and in
Huh, don't think much OF Q man
no has his cigarettes initiated. One
I those monocled, whitespatted John