The Argosy — page 135: what you’re looking at

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

Princess Eleanor. 123 I did not recall them, for I felt that my cause was just, and that alt must be said to win it. “You have lost yourself in a labyrinth of sentiment: you are no longer Eleanor, my quiet, clever Eleanor!” “No, Iam not! Was it really so great a merit to grow up like a flower, ‘without a throb, without a passion? I feel quite myself, although faculties that slumbered within have at last awakened to life. A new phase of my life has opened, and I am no longer Eleanor of Waldemberg—I am Eleanor Impach, for whom I have no cause to blush. Brother, you abuse your power to make me unhappy, for I feel it—I could not buy my independence at the price of your love!” What I looked as I spoke this I cannot tell, but Ernest faced me for some time in silence, tokens of wonder and even admiration in his eyes. Where I gained the courage to speak those words I know not. After a pause, Emest took both my hands in his, and then said : “God alone knows what torments you have inflicted on me this day! Why did you at the same time speak words that must needs have made me happy beyond measure? Eleanor, I cannot see you miserable, but I cannot allow you to purchase your present happiness at the price of a life’s peace. If your love resists time, then alone a chance of future happiness is to be thought of. Wait one year from this day, and, if you then speak as you have spoken to-day, I will give my consent, and allow Eleanor to step from the ducal palace to the studio of the artist.” “‘Emest, my brother! You think to frighten me by a short year! You do not know me or Walter. But if you require this evidence of our love, be it granted.” . ‘In the interval, Eleanor, you neither see the artist nor correspond with him. He shall undertake a journey, and you will help me to prepare a home for Amy.” What I had not done when I entreated, I did now in my gratitude— I knelt to Ernest. Merciful heaven! I can scarcely believe in so much happiness; and am not sure if I dream or wake. . . To-day, when he has received Walter, Ernest will start for your house. He brings you this letter, and presents. Walter to you. Greet him once more from me. I shall soon see you again, now, dearest Amy—beloved sister. Your ELzanor. XXIII. Believe me, Geoffrey, were I to think of what I have outwardly gained alone, I should most certainly refuse it at the price of the trials I have gone,through! But ten times would I suffer them fo gain # iE heart I now eall my own. comichooks.com