“But Miss Polly was mighty sly about it,” argued Maud. “Mr. Austin caught her once, though, and my, didn’t he flare up!” Her eyes grew bigger at the recollection. “I wonder if he was smart enough to know Miss Polly, for all her appearing frankness, was playing father and son off against each other.”
“Men never know anything where a pretty woman’s concerned,” replied Anna scornfully. “Miss Judith knew what was going on though, and”—she lowered her voice to confidential tones—“it’s my belief that her Uncle John used his influence with the family to get her sent on that visit to Japan.”
“And there she met Major Richards.” Maud selected another piece of candy. “My, ain’t Fate funny sometimes!” Her companion agreed, and Maud munched the milk chocolates with silent enjoyment. Then her active mind went off on a tangent as she caught sight of the playing cards still reposing in a disorderly heap in Anna’s lap. “Mr. Hale got in one of his tantrums this morning.”
“He did?” Anna put down her cup from which she had been slowly sipping her strong black tea. “What about?”
“He said one of his playing cards was missing from the pack he keeps in the library, and he just as much as asked me if I had stolen it.” Maud sniffed. “If he hadn’t been so nice about my wages and my room wasn’t so comfortable, and you and cook being so agreeable, I’d a given notice.”
“Oh, pshaw! Mr. Hale doesn’t mean half he says,” Anna hastened to smooth down Maud’s ruffled feelings. “He forgets the cause of his tantrums ten minutes afterward. What’s the use of paying attention to them? His wife never does.”
“I ain’t his wife,” objected Maud. “And he didn’t forget this tantrum, though it was about such a measly little thing, but came right back after lunch and asked me had I found the card in any one’s room. He was put out when I told him no.”
“It is too bad, Maud,” exclaimed Anna, who had followed her story with gratifying attention. “Mr. Hale shouldn’t worry you when you have extra work with me laid up here. Why not speak to Mrs. Hale?”
“Not me!” broke in Maud hastily. “I ain’t hankering to start a family ruction. Don’t you worry, Miss Anna, I fixed it,” Maud smiled slyly. “I went up to Miss Judith’s boudoir with the C. & P. man to mend her branch telephone this afternoon, and I just happened to see a pack o’ playing cards lying on Major Richards’ dresser; their backs were just the same as Mr. Hale’s pack in the library, so I sneaked out the Knave o’ Hearts. After the telephone man left, I gave the card to Mr. Hale. And say, what do you s’pose he did?”
Anna shook her head. “I can’t guess. Do go on.”