A Fool and His Money

by George Barr McCutcheon

"What! Does Britton know it?"

"Yes," said I, with a wry smile. "He took a mean advantage of me in the presence of George Hazzard not an hour ago, and asked for a raise in wages on account of his wife's illness. It seems that you are an invalid."

"I hope he hasn't forgotten the baby in his calculations."

"He hasn't, you may be sure. He has named the baby after me."

"How original!"

"I thought it rather clever to change Rosemary's sex for a few days," said I. "Moreover, it will be necessary for Britton to take Max's place as your personal servant. He will fetch your meals and—"

"Oh, I can't agree to that, Mr. Smart," she cried with decision. "I must have Max. He is—"

"But Britton must have some sort of a pretext for—"

"Nonsense! No one cares about Britton and his sick wife. Let well enough alone."

"I—I'll think it over, Countess," said I weakly.