Vashon Island news-record. [volume] (Vashon, Wash.) 1919-1954, 1926-10-08
Her Old Lover,
the Butler
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
By RUBY DOUGLAS

side Mrs. Van Warmers chaise
Tongue tinlled. It was the only tele-
phone In the house that merely tinkled
and It's possessor had spent much eff
fort in having the bell thus subdued.
Problems such as these were the most
weighty matters that fell upon the
pretty shoulders OF the mistress OF
Holme Hillside.
Yes?" she said. putting her lips
to the glass transmitter. "oh. yes,
Why"
There was a long pause while
Clarice Van Warner evidently listened
to an amusing conversation.
'But-of course l couldn't refuse
to let you have hlm-lf you really
think II would be all right Yes, In
deed, I'll have him there at nine sharp.
Goodby, dear"
Clarice's neighbor, II one living two
miles distant on the next estate may
be called neighbor. Helen Simpson,
had made a most unusual request-if
Clarlce would lend Hawkins, the new
English butler at Holme Hillside, to
her for the evening.
you see, my dear, l have guest
Tor the week-end--a girl from London,
who is perfectly mad about bridge.
and Tom and are just ordinary play
ers. The snow has cut us of so
thoroughly from communication with
the rest of our friends that was Won
derlng If it couldn't be done with
safety Nellie is sailing home next
week. We have four others In the
house for another table and the happy
idea came to me TO ask you for Haw-
kins. He's really quite Il gentleman.
l know he plays the game because l
have seen him watch US over AZ your
house us we played when he was get
ting bite Of supper ready for us"
Hawkins did not Intimate by the
futter Of an eyelaSh whether the idea
would be distasteful OF agreeable to
him. He merely dressed himself with
great care and departed In time to be
ready for cards at nine o'clock.
At the Simpsons he was greeted as
a friend and acted his part admirably.
The tables were ready and he was
presented to his partner Miss Hutch
lnson.
No one noticed the several shades
Of pallor chat chased each other across
the face Of the little English guest.
Neither did they observe the effort
with which james Hawkins held him
self together when he beheld his
partner
The game progressed and both of
the young persons had resumed calm
that seemed almost natural. Both
played a good game of cards and the
hostess thought she had made a great
success of her daring venture.
When the game was over there was
to be the usual bite 10 eat, served on
the card tables by the Preside
Hawkins rose and spoke to his
hostess. 81 am taking a train to-
night, Mrs. simpson-perhaps my
hostess told your
"0h-I'm sorry-but II you must 20
trains are most uncertain In this
weather and driving is treacherous.
Helen was relieved and yet she was a
little sorry to have the fellow depart,
He had proved himself SO good a
partner What tommy-rot caste lines
were, she thought
Nellie Hutchinson was torn between
a hopelessness OF having lost again
the man whom she had loved for years
and who had gone ont TO America
from their home in England to make
good" before claiming her handand
relief at the strain she had been I'M
der to keep her knowledge Of him q
secret from those who were about
Seven Of them sat about the fire and
chntsed about the game, discussing.
among other features, the charm and
excellence In skill Of their new ac-
Quaintanee, Mr.. Hawkins
lie is guest--or wns-at the
Thorne home just down the lane"
nbbed Helen gilbly. quite a likable
chap | thought"
The telephone bell rang In the hall.
Helen herself answered II.
MY dear, 1t Is for you" she said,
surprised. and speaking to Nellie.
can unknown lossr-at this hour!7
Nellie sought the telephone and
closed the small closet that en-
closed Il
Jim" she uttered
"Nellie-"
And then the butlcr OF Holme Hill
side explained to her what was taking
place lie was Investigating the
domestic service situation IN America
for series Of labor articles for an
English magazhe and he had been
nuemg out at first hand Just what
were the vexing problems He had
written 20 her but no reply had ever
reached him and his faith alone was
holding him close To the belief that
She was stiil waiting for him
a few days Afterwards Clarice Van
Warner called up her young friend
Helen 20 tell her that the splendid
butler wis leaving Whatever did
you do ts him chat night3' she asked.
"Notbing. my DEAR Helen replied,
.hfff i Nm DIVING ia Talk to Won about