Argosy All-Story Weekly, February 12, 1927 — page 62: what you’re looking at

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

around her. But Sylvi 56 ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. “And you've noticed nothing unusual about her?’’ Into Sylvia’s mind flashed again the mem- ory of the extraordinary scrutiny with which she had been greeted on the day of her ar- rival, but, thinking rapidly, she decided that mention of this had better wait until later. Over Beatrice’s face was stealing a look of utter fatigue, and her companion trembled lest this swift return to consciousness be un- duly taxed. “No, she only strikes me as a capable woman who does her duty very faithfully.” ‘“T’m glad of that,” said the weak voice, “and now, before I go to sleep, let me ad- vise you when Mr. King comes back not to let him see in your manner that I have in any way changed. I'll help you all [ can. ‘Humor him as far as you are able, and please go on exactly as if nothing had hap- pened. And just as soon as I can I will tell you more, but,” she added as a great drowsiness overtook her, “if it should come to a question of your own safety, think only of that, act only on that, and, whatever you may think it wise to do in your own interests, be assured that even if you are not here things are better with me than they’ve been for a long, long time.” Marcus King returned to Shadow Manor on the third day after the accident. He had been in long distance telephone com- munication with his office, and, learning that the only serious- damage was to the car, had telegraphed to Byfleet to replace it with another during repairs. Sylvia heard of this through Mrs. Byfleet, and marveled at the detached calmness of the financier. For the rest of it, she was continually conscious of that brief but potent warning from Beatrice. The latter, as if exhausted with this, her first effort, had said nothing more because her strength would not per- mit it, but now and again she sent Sylvia a quick smile, reassuring if fleeting, as if to tell her that all was well. Whatever slight change might be discern- ible was in Mrs. Byfleet, who seemed less detached and a little less imperious. Her manner was almost that of a woman who was anxious to stand well with those | a asked herself if or a oo a = ‘ “ ee ae a Sey fe eee we i this was likely to continue after the return of the master to Shadow Manor. Marcus King, however, betrayed nothing except a keen and apparently genuine inter- est in'the well being of those under his roof. He went immediately upstairs and remained for the greater part of an hour with Bea- trice, while Sylvia racked her brain to de- termine what manner of interchange might be taking place. The interview was, at any rate, quiet, there were no loud voices, no pitiful appeals. This calm lasted until it became almost mysterious, when finally King came out, closing the door noiselessly behind him. Sylvia heard his steps dwindle in the direc- tion of his own room, and it struck her that they were those of a man whose mind is burdened with weighty matters. Then, once again, Mrs. Byfleet tapped at her door and said that Mr. King hoped for the pleasure of her company at dinner. She hesitated. ‘ I was going to have din- ner with Miss King and don’t like to dis- appoint her.” T’ve told Miss King,” said Mrs. Byfleet, “and it’s all right.” Sylvia smiled gravely. “ That’s very kind of her, but if you’ll wait a minute I think I’ll speak to her myself.” She went into Beatrice’s room, and the latter mo- tioned her to come close. “Mrs. Byfleet told me,” she said quickly, “and I think, dear, that you’d better agree. You'll understand later in a way you can’t now, but I’m not quite strong enough to have you refuse. I know that sounds queer, though, believe me, it’s wiser. “So be just as natural as you can, and don’t forget what I said about not hesitat- ing to do anything in your own interest if yow’re forced to. Be an actress, my dear. You can’t realize what an opportunity there is for good acting here. It will take all your art because you’ll be playing with fire.” Sylvia’s eyes rounded, but she only nod- ded, murmured her assent and went back, wondering, to her own room. “Please thank Mr. King and say I'll be very glad to come.” Those last words lingered with her while she dressed. She was glad, unquestionably gl Se a a _ Se 5 = Comicbooks