Argosy (UK), January 1955 — page 63: what you’re looking at

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

MAIDENHAIR FERN 61 tell me,” Monsieur Gustave’s voice was saying, “‘ that Monsieur Durand broke into your house in the dead of night to steal your __ Maidenhair Fern? I can hardly credit it! ... Really, the things . people do!” How shocked the voice sounded. f “ Prig! ” said Monsieur Gustave, and flung. r Crash! ‘The good sharp flint had done its work. Monsieur 4 Gustave dived into the salon. ; “Poker!” cried out a startled, a girlish voice. dl It was not the salon. It was Mademoiselle Sophie’s room. ¢ Who would have the heart to dwell upon the painful scene that follows? The wild accusations of the fearful girl, the wild re- proaches of her frightful parents. ‘Their night attire. The violent manner in which they shake their pokers at the inconti- nent villain. His unlistened-to denials. The instant breaking-off of possible future nuptials. Mademoi- ___ selle Sophie in a swoon. Her Maman in a swoon. Angélique, ; the bonne a tout faire, in hysterics. | The Door! It was the end! Monsieur Gustave’s ‘Tante Mignonnette was seated at the head of the dining-room table. Her near relatives were polka- - dotted down both sides. ‘They were looking determined rather than hopeful. He himself was installed at the foot of the table. And on the puce plush-and-bobble expanse between Monsieur Gustave and his tante a héritage stood a noble Maidenhair Fern. | | - The conseil de famille had been going on for some time : now, and looked like going on for some time longer. For it had been summoned to consult on certain new dispositions in the latest codicil to Tante Mignonnette’s will. ‘“ And the jewellery,’’ Gustave’s ‘Tante Marie-Rose was saying, “surely you would not wish your turquoise parure to go to the ignoble Maximilien, now that he no longer agrees to marry the young lady of your choice? ” Tante Mignonnette bestowed upon Tante Marie-Rose the kind of cold regard a suggestion frem a mere-in-law deserved. “As to that,” she said, “I am fully decided my turquoises go to my dear nephew Gustave, who is on the point of affiancing himself to the charming young lady I have chosen for him.” She beamed at Monsieur Gustave, who was gazing fixedly at the Maidenhair Fern. “And the pedigree cows? ” asked his Oncle Prosper. “They go to Gustave, too.” “And the three-odd acres ?” comicloooks.comnn