The Argosy — page 152: what you’re looking at

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

140 On the Wye. clerks and choristers occupied their proper seats in the chancel, which, partially lighted, threw a dim religious light upon the surrounding gloom and was to the last degree effective. Gazing from a distance upon the singers clothed in their white surplices, listening to their voices, ‘in the pealing anthem swelling the note of praise,” it was quite possible and pardonable to close the eyes in a semi-dream, and imagine oneself transported to a higher, holier, and brighter sphere. The organist officiated at the great new organ on the south side, and after service we begged him to prolong his voluntary. He kindly did so for very many minutes, much to the indignation of the bedes- men, who wanted to be gone. With the dying echoes of the grand harmonies that had swelled in ebb and flow through the arches and fretted vaults of the cathedral, we passed out into the darkness. Wor- cester may indeed consider itself favoured in possessing within its boundaries this gem of surpassing beauty. The next moming E. started for Fairford, where she was overdue ; but not without a second contretemps, far more alarming to her than that of the missing china. On reaching the station such a crowd and confusion surely was never witnessed. The platforms were thronged, and no porters were to be seen. The station-master, we were afterwards told, was away for his holiday ; and perhaps the men were (practically) taking holiday also. One was found at length, and received his orders—to label the young lady’s luggage for Fairford, but to keep me in sight whilst I took the ticket. Instead of doing so, he disappeared with boxes, parasols, rugs, Cloaks, and was seen no more. The train was due, but the luggage and the man had vanished. E.’s dismay may be imagined. The representative of the station- master was demanded, and appeared ; and he did all he could do. He delayed the train (an express) nearly fifteen minutes ; he went, and sent about, looking for the man and the luggage. Allin vain. E. went off minus her possessions, leaving me to clear up the mystery. Now began the search in earnest. After some trouble, every porter being summoned to appear, the man presented himself. Where he had been hidden did not transpire ; but he had sent the luggage off by the Kidderminster train, putting it, he said, in the guard’s van; and to that town of carpets it was then on its road. The telegraph was set to work, and matters were made straight as soon as they could be. To the china factory we proceeded next, inspected the works, and became acquainted with the whole process of manufacturing: one of great, interest. Some of the beauties of the show-room proved too tempting for A.’s love of china, which appears to embrace modern as well as ancient specimens ; and it was only after a threat of insolvency that she could be induced to relinquish a dessert service of exquisite workmanship but fabulous price. Ble comicbooks.com |