Argosy All-Story Weekly, November 12, 1927 — page 69: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

QUEEN OF CLUBS. After awhile she said: ‘“ Where is Stratton ?”’ ‘“ T was forced to ask him to retire, miss,” said the butler. “ But it was my fault that he laughed.” ‘““A good servant must know his place under all conditions, miss.” “But I can’t have him punished for what was my fault.” The butler put down the dish he was carrying. He fairly trembled with rage or grief, or some emotion that was mys- terious to Carola. “Man and boy for thirty years I have served in the best houses,” he began. “I hope I know what is due to my masters and mistresses. No complaint has ever been made against me on that score.” To be lectured by her own servant! This was intolerable. Carola jumped up and flung down her napkin. “ Please spare me your orations,”’ she said. “I have finished my dinner.” She went upstairs feeling very angry and dissatisfied with herself. It seemed as if everything she did was wrong. In a few _ minutes Mrs. Tylee, the depressed-looking housekeeper, came to her boudoir. “TI am sorry there was trouble at the table,” she said. “It was nothing,” said Carola. “ It was entirely my fault. I outraged the butler’s sense of propriety. But surely I can do what I please in my own house!” “Naturally,” said Mrs. Tylee. replace the man to-morrow.” “Give him a month’s wages to heal his injured feelings. And try to get a more human one,” added Carola. ‘“‘ Never mind if he hasn’t worked for a duke.” “T’m afraid I must let the other man go, too,” said Mrs. Tylee deprecatingly. “But why? He hasn’t done anything.” “1 know; but after such an incident, if I kept him on, the new butler would never be able to control him. Servants are only human.” “Very well, if you must.” Mrs. Tylee went away. By this time Carola was utterly depressed. The prospect of spending a long evening alone was in- tolerable. She rang for Ella. Ella wasn’t much, but she was better than nothing. “T will DAS Ella appeared, red-eyed and sniffling. Evi- dently there had been a grand row below stairs. . Carola sent her away again. It seemed to her as if there was a curse upon her house. Suddenly her eyes fell upon the tele- phone, and she thought of that nice, kind, wise old Mr. Breedon, who made every- thing so easy and comfortable for her. “Call me up at the Mackinac Hotel at any time,” he had said. Taking down the re- ceiver, she gave the number. She was presently informed that Mr. Breedon was not in the hotel at the mo- ment, but if she would give her name he might perhaps be found. Five minutes later she heard the sooth- ing voice over the wire: “Hello, Carrie; what’s the good word?” “Oh, Mr. Breedon, I’m bored to tears,” she said. “ Could you come around and see me? I want to consult you about some- thing.” “Sure!” he said instantly. ‘ How about me and you takin’ in a show together, Car- rie?” Her heart leaped. cried. “Why not? What would you like to seer” “Can we go to a revue? They would never take me to a revue. How about the Escapades of 19272” “Surest thing you know, Carrie. T’ll get a box. I’ll call around for you in twen- ty minutes.- I won’t come in,” he added cannily. “When you see my car stop, come out.” “There’s a crowd out in front,” said Carola. “Well, I'll send my chauffeur up the steps to fetch you down.” Carola, all smiles and anticipation now, put out the lights in her boudoir so she could not be seen, and sat down at one of the front windows to watch the crowd and wait for Mr. Breedon. Presently she saw McQuissick return, and an uncomfortable doubt attacked her. What would he say to her going out? Of course, it was none of his business, but he might say something anyway. Oh, “Oh, can we?” she Gomichbooks (E@) ee