The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 76: what you’re looking at

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

76 BY RIGHT OF SWORD. why there should be a moment’s hesitation about her auswer, especially after all she had said to me about the man. And this feeling may perhaps have shown itself in my manner. ‘“I could do no less than tell you of the proposal, considering that Devinsky believes in the relationship between us,’’ I said. ‘‘ But I don’t see how you, knowing everything, can look to me for the judgment I should have had to give were that relationship real, and I actually head of the family.’’ This stilted reply seemed to please her, for she glanced curiously at me and then smiled, as I thought almost merrily, or even mischievously, as she replied : ‘‘ A proposal of marriage is a very serious thing, Alexis.”’ ‘“ Yes ; so people often find it.”’ | ‘* Major Devinsky is very rich and influential. He is right when he says that his wife would have a very good position in one way in Moscow.’’ ‘‘I wish her much happiness with him,’’ I retorted grimly. ‘‘ He is very handsome, too.”’ I said nothing. She disappointed and vexed me. ‘“ Ah, you men never see other men’s good looks. You're very moody,’’ she added, after a pause when she found me still silent. ‘I don’t admire Major Devinsky,’’ I said rather sullenly. She laughed so heartily at this and seemed evidently so pleased that I wished I had found the laugh less musical. Next, she looked at me again thoughtfully before she spoke as if to weigh the effect of her words. ‘It would be greatly to your advantage, too, Alexis, to have Major Devinsky ie ‘Thank you,’’ I cut in shortly. ‘‘I do not seek Major Deviusky’s patronage. When I cannot climb or stand without it, I’ll fall, and quite contentedly, even if I break my neck. Shall we geton?’’ And I urged my horse to a quick trot. My evident irritation at her suggestion—for I could not hear the matter without showing my resentment—seemed to please her as much as anything, for she smiled as her nag cantered easily at my side. But I would not look at her. If she meant to marry Devinsky I meant what I had said to him. I would have no more to do with the business, and I would get out of Russia as soon as possible the best way I could. A sidelong glimpse that I caught of Olga’s face after a while showed me that the look of laughing pleasure had died away and had given place to a thoughtful and rather stern expression. ‘‘ Making up her mind,’’ was my thought ; and then having a stretch of road ahead, I quickened up my horse’s speed to a hard gallop and we had a quick burst at a rattling pace, When we pulled up and stood to breathe our horses before turning their heads homewards, the girl’s cheeks were all aglow with ruddy color and her eyes dancing with the excitement of the gallop. She made such a picture of beautiful womanhood that I was forced to gaze at her in sheer admiration. We had not spoken since I had closed the last bit of dialogue and now she maneuvered her horse quite close to me and said: (S@) Eomichbooks