[LIGHT BREAKFAST]
"Henry dear," said Mrs. Brush gently, without raising her pretty head from the pillow, "it's nearly half-past eight."
"What!" exclaimed her husband, sitting up vehemently and staring at the clock. "Where is Maria? She's supposed to be here by seven, isn't she?"
"Perhaps she didn't come today."
"That good-for-nothing darky! I'll go and investigate." Plunging energetically into his bath-robe and slippers, he sallied forth on a tour of the apartment.
No Maria sweeping in the hall; no Maria straightening up the living-room or library; no Maria dusting in the dining-room; no Maria preparing breakfast in the kitchen.
"How provoking!" sighed Mrs. Brush.
"Provoking? I call it outrageous."
"Yes; I'm sorry, dear, that this will make you late to your office."