The Argosy — page 117: what you’re looking at

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

2 BY RIGHT OF SWORD. 309 While we were together, however, it was impossible for us to feel down- cast for long. ‘There was such infinite pleasure in mere companionship that the grim troubles which surrounded us were shut out of our thoughts. The present was so bright and dear that it seemed impossible the gloom could soon close in on us. But when I had left her and was alone in my rooms, I was gloomy enough; and my spirits were certainly not raised when my new servant ushered in Paula ‘Tueski. ‘You would not come to me, Alexis, so I have to come fo you,’’ was her greeting. ‘‘ You neglect me, I suppose, because of the great friends you have made.’’ ‘“ Great friends? ’”’ Yes. I hear that you are finding much pleasure in the society of a~ certain great lady.’’ Oh, you mean the Princess Weletsky.’’ I laughed as I spoke. ‘It does not make me laugh,’’-she said, frowning. ‘“ You are in mourning, and laughter goes ill with tears,’ I returned. I hated the woman more every time I saw her. ‘Tf am in mourning it is you who are the cause,’’ she cried, stamping her foot angrily. ‘‘I want to know what this new—new friendship, shall I call it >—means,’’ “ You may call it what you like. The princess is nothing to me,’ said I, thinking more of my affections than of the facts. “And never will be?’’ said my companion abruptly. ‘“And never will be, I hope,’’ I agreed, with the accents of unmistakable sincerity. But my visitor was suspicious and did not believe me. She got up and came close to me,and stared hard into my eyes as if searching there for the truth. ““Then why are you so cold to me? Nota kindly word, not a gesture, not a glance that you mightn’t have thrown to the veriest beggar in the street have you given me. You, who used always to brighten when I came near you. I have seen your eyes light up a hundred times, Alexis, when you have let them rest on me, praising, pleasing, and loving me. And now you are as coid as a tombstone. Will your swear to me you have no love for this other woman—this princess? ’’ ‘* Most certainly I will.’’ ‘“Ah, what is the use of an oath in which there is no fire, no life, nothing but dead, cold ashes! What has changed you? Are you thinking of marry- ing this woman ??’? ‘If she waits till I wish to marry her, she’ll die unmated,’’ I returned. ‘“Why can’t you say yes or no to my questions?” she cried, stamping her foot again, irritated by the little evasion. ‘‘ Are you thinking of marry- ing her?’’ “No. Is that answer blunt enough for you ?”’ ‘It sounds like a forced lie more than anything else. Do you know what I would do, Alexis, if I thought you meant to try to deceive me?’”’ (S) Eomichbooks