Roxy Hastings — page 231: what you’re looking at

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

222 ROXY HASTINGS. Not the least, embarrassed, fully understanding their ex- citement, and participating in it, Miss. Blythe greeted them all cordially, and felt quite at home. ‘‘It was just a toss up whether it was to be a laugh or a cry,” the old major said, “and I’m glad it was a laugh.” “So am I,” replied the widow, wiping her eyes, which ‘|were quite red, “but—but we do not yet know who it 18 ‘that has made us all so happy.” | “Ts there need for further secrecy ?” the lieutenant asked, in a kindly tone, “or if there is any reason for preserving your incognito I hope you are at liberty at once to disclose the place of Lucy’s retreat. Surely nothing but-the most imperative reasons can justify you in withholding this, since she has no longer any enemies, and lam ready this hour to go in pursuit of her.” No; there was no»reason. Mary told the whole story - frankly and quickly, to the great joy of her listeners, al- though there was a slight alloy in the thought that an ocean still intervened between them and Lucy Holden. “T shall sail on the first steamer,” said Alfred, “ which leaves on Saturday. Miss Blythe will give me her ad- dress, and—” “Oh, how I wish I could go with you!” exclaimed Laura. “But youcan. What is to prevent? Nothing could give me more pleasure.” ‘ But—I am not ready.” “Tut! tut! You have forty-eight hours to get ready in.” ‘ But I can not leave mother.” “Yes, you can, if Roxy will stay,” replied the widow. All eyes turned to Roxy, but she saw only those of Charles, and she blushed a warm, conscious blush, which the dull fellow did not in the least comprehend. ‘You will stay, Roxy, won’t you?” Laura asked, but without eliciting a reply. ‘Say yes, my dear,” said the widow. “It will be such a favor, ” added Alf. “We can’t spare little Birdie,” said the old major, chucking her under the chin. But not a word said Birdie, and not a word said Charles, who listened, however, very intently for her answer. ‘Why don’t you urge her, Charles?” asked the mother. “You are master of the house, and there you stand and never speak.” “Am I master of the house? I never knew that, but I shall really be very happy if Miss Hastings can find it consistent to stay.” Gomicbooks.con