Bogalusa enterprise. [volume] (Bogalusa, La.) 1914-1918, 1916-09-28

the porter lowered the trunk from lid
shoulder.
Right here behind the door, Helen
showed a chair out of the way. THAT
small one you can put there by the
dresser
While he unstrapped the trunks,
Helen got out her purse. Would SIN
pence tip be enough? But at the last
moment his brass buttons and gilt
braid made her tumble hurriedly for
shilling.
When the door closed after him, she
began an eager, delighted inspection OF
the rooms They were the bachelor
chambers" of an army officer now in
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 were paying an eXorbltant 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 bachelors room in
Pinero play, the scene where the in
discreet young wife is discovered by
her husband. There was even a screen
for the lady to hide behind.
Shall l unpack Mr.. Curtis things
now, ma'am?"
With start Helen turned to find
Leopard, the valet, beside her.
Il 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 seem absorbed in her
own unpacking, as with elaborate care
he refolded pair Of worn, faded
pajamas that she had thought Warren
could wear once more before she
threw them away.
Warren's soiled linen he had already
carried off. while she looked on help
lessly. Now he threw suit over his
arm and started off again.
as there anything of yours you'd
like brushed, ma'am?'
NO, l think not" relieved to have
him 60.
But with soft.footed stealth he kept
reappearing. He brought back War
ren's suit, then took away his shoes
Then he came in to look after the
open fire. He did not knock, and Helen
found herself looking nervously over
her shoulder to see if he was there.
Disconcerting as was his presence
it gave her a delightful feeling of al
fuence Helen's idea of luxury had
always been the luxury Of the English
novel and play. And now that she was
in something of that atmosphere, she
tried to Give up to it.
Instead Of unpacking in her cotton
crepe kimono. she slipped on Sill
negligee And when at four O'CLOCK
the valet brought her tea, she leaned
back in one of the luxurious leather
chairs while he served it before thu
fire
1t was after six when Warren came
She greeted him joyously.
Hello, all settled?" as he hung VI
his overcoat.
ooh, yes, dear, isn't it wonderful?
could hardly wait till you came. In
wild about these rooms
Looks like we're going to be prett.
comfortable here
And just think-itll not cost an,
more than the hotel
Not as much-not so many tips
: How about that valet? He showed
. up yet?'
: Dear. he's been here every minute
!. He doesn't knock, and he walks s.
!: softly. you can't hear him.
!; Don't like him gum,shoeing arounc
!. eh?"
!. "Oh yes-yes,' hastily, IF | coul
J. only know when he's coming
!. Might mine the entrance hall,
]. grinned Warren. Hello, Whered thl
!. come from? Been having high-ball?
!. as ne took up halftilled syphon fro
! the sideboard.
- .Oh, found that down here Hele
. opened the cupboard underneath. IN
! valet must have overlooked it. An
!. these. too taking out box OF Gig;
! rettes. Look they're crested and II
!: itialed.
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