South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-01-12


one who saw, vivid in retrospect.
epic events.
but 1 didn't know where to find
you Amt this lucky? Can you tell
me where 1 can get something to
eat? | was just dined at one Of them
swell houses. and now I'm longing
for some real food. We had every
thing from soup to nuts. but some
how l couldn't eat 2 thing. I guess
1t was the High Noon stuff" Maggie
thought for "A moment; then she
nodded 90 herself
Come on, I'll take you back rs
our place and give you something TO
eat. Our cooks pretty good that
way"
Going up an alley they entered
through the back way one of the
homes. and passing through the
kitchen went into the servants din
ing room. They had finished eating
but Maggie hustled into the kitchen
and soon came back with a tray full
OF food Quickly she put a knife. a
fork and spoon and plate in front
Of Private Billings A twinkle came
into Billings eye and from the open
drawer he took a collection of knives
and forks and spoons and put them
beside his plate.
Maggie, you don't know how TO
entertain in style. After the meal
I've just had. I don't think 1 could
do with only one knife and fork.
You must put dozens in front of me
so can choose" and Maggie burst
into delighted giggles.
Again there was a SQUAD. but
this time there was only Maggie, so
he complacently took it into his
hands and munched hungrily He
and Maggie carried on a banter Of
conversation with a great deal OF
laughter from Maggie. Soon some
of the other servants came in and
and put a bottle Of claret on the
table.
1T is the soldier in France he al
ways gets wine" he said i'm broken
English Here he no get, but if
you take when I don't look it is all
right" and there one and all turned
their backs while Billings helped
himself 10 the claret. then turned
around with a shout of laughter.
Maggie got Billings to give an imi-
tation of the dinner he had just gone
through. and Billings, who was q
great mimic, began to see the funny
/ side of the thing. and waving the
/ leg of the SQUAD in one hand, gave
an imitation of the weil-meaning
/ Mrs Van Flack II brought shouts
Of laughter.
No one saw the door from the
/ dining room open, but suddenly Bill
ings. who had his back turned TO il
saw each one of the servants rise
stifhy and a look of horror come
over their faces.
well. / guess the old 'geezer
meant well enough" he said smiling
| ~. "but no more society for me.
What do you think of me opera.
Mr. Bllings?'" and then he turned.
/ and in back of him stood the as
founded Mrs. Van Flack. All the
servants but Maggie discreetly with
drew 10 the kitchen. 4 look of hor-
ror came over Billings face as he
realized that he was in Mrs. Van
Flack's home. He began to stutter
and stammer an explanation. but
Mrs. Van Flack. who had always
prided herself on being equal 10 any
situation. to the amaZement OF
Maggie. came over and sat in one OF
the chairs just vacated 10y one of her
maids
Don't so. Maggie" she said
amiably- 81 gather Mr. Billings is
an old friend OF yours" Maggi 2
nodded mechanically Turning 70
Billings Mrs. Van Flack resumed:
I'm glad my household gave you
/ the hospitality l tried &c give" She
/ had seen her mistake in a flash, and
sized up the situation. she soon had
both Maggie and Billings at their
ease and they were all three laugh
ing and chatting. much TO the be
+ wilderment OF the servants. who
were gathered in awe IN the kitchen
/ awaiting results. Billings was just
\ eating the last OF the dessert, 80
coveted before. when with an
amiable smile he turned on Mrs
\ Van Flack.
say" he said. You're a differen,
kind OF a fellow out here, aren';
YOU ." Mrs. Van Flack. who had
really been enjoying he quick re.
partee Of Maggie and Billings. nod
ded smilingly When Billings
reached Cor the claret bottle, how
ever. she shook her head.
oh. go on" Billings said, "be g
good sport Turn your back. Wha
YOU don't know won't hurt you.
And Mrs Van Flack urned he