The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 73: what you’re looking at

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

BY RIGHT OF SWORD. 73 look up as she asked this, but stood rummaging among the papers on the table. I took the passport, unfolded and read it mechanically ; then, without think- ing, folded it up again and put it away in my pocket. Evidently she meant it as my dismissal ; and it was very awkward for me to explain that I could not be dismissed in this way because of the difficulties in the road of my leaving. I did not wish to appear to force myself upon her as a brother ; but I could not go first without seeing her in safety ; and there was the crux. ‘‘[T’ll make my arrangements as soon as I can,’’ I replied, after a longish pause ; and I was conscious of being a little stiff in my manner. ‘‘ But of course I can’t manage things quite as I please. You see, I didn’t come into this—I mean, I took up the part and—well, I’m hanged if I know what I do mean; except that of course I’m sorry to seem to force myself on you longer than you like, but I can’t get away quite so easily as you seem to think. I know it puts you in an awkward position, but for the moment I don’t for the life of me see how it’s to be helped.’’ As I finished she lifted her head, and her expression was at first grave, until the light of a smile in her blue eyes began to spread over her face, and the corners of her mouth twitched. ‘“'Then you won’t be able to go yet? Of course, it’s very awkward, as you say ; but I must manage to put up with it as best Ican. In the mean time, as we have to continue the parts, we had better play them so as to mystify people. Don’t you agree with this ?’ ‘Ves, I think that, certainly,’ I answered, catching her drift, and smiling in my turn. ‘“Then I am riding this afternoon at three o’clock ; and as it- might occa- sion remark if our afternoon rides were broken off quite suddenly, don’t you think it would be very diplomatic if you were to come with me ?’’ ‘“Ves, very diplomatic,’’ I assented readily. ‘‘ But you never told me before that we were in the habit of riding out together every day.’’ ‘‘It hasn’t been exactly every afternoon,’’ answered Olga, laughing. ‘‘In fact, it’s more than a year since the last ride, but the principle of the thing is the same. We ought not to break the continuity. ’’ It was an exceedingly jolly gallop we had. As we rode back we discussed the question of the best course for us to take. We were both too much ex- hilarated by the ride to take any but a sanguine view; and so far as I am concerned, I think I talked about it rather as a sort of link between us two than in any serious sense. When I got to my rooms I was surprised to learn from my servant, Borlas, that my old opponent, Major Devinsky, had called to see me. I did not know he was back in Moscow, though I knew he had been away. I had been at driifl that morning—I had quickly fallen into the routine of the work—and had heard nothing of his return. Certainly there was no reason why he should come to me ; though there were many why he should keep away. He might have watched me into my rooms, for almost, before I had changed my riding things, he was announced. He came in smiling, impudent, self assertive, and disposed to be friendly. CoOTmmiclool< (S@)