The Argosy — page 176: what you’re looking at

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

162 Edina. , “ There is no third class to this train,” replied Charley, glad perhaps to have to say it, as he turned away to the ticket office. And so they travelled up to London, Mrs. Raynor leaning back in the carriage with closed eyes, grateful for the rest. It had been a long scuffle to get away; and every one of them had mentally reproached Edina for not coming to their help. “Tt is just as though she had deserted us,” said Mrs. Raynor. “I suppose she will be at the new house to receive us, as she says; but I think she might have come: she knows how incapable I am.” The “new house,” the address of which was furnished them by Edina in plain letters, was situated in the southern district of London, some three miles, or so, from the heart of the bustle. It was about five o'clock when they approached it in two cabs, through the dirt and drizzle. The spirits of all were depressed. With the very utmost difficulty Mrs. Raynor kept down her tears. *T expect to find it a barn with nothing in it,” she said, looking out on the dreary road. ‘Perhaps there will not be as much as a mattress to sleep on.” . The cabs stopped before the door of a convenient, roomy, but old- fashioned looking house, standing a little back from the road, with a garden behind it. A rosy servant girl opened the door. She was not as fashionable looking as the maids they had left, but she was neat and active, and very willing—a remarkably desirable quality in a maid-of- all-work. Edina came forward; a bright and cheery smile of welcome on her face as she took all the hands into hers that she could get, and led the way to the sitting-room. It was quite well furnished, and the tea things stood on the table. Instead of the empty barn Mrs, Raynor had expected, she found a house plainly but weli stocked throughout with suitable furniture, The school-room, the airy bed-chambess, the sitting-rooms, the kitchen, all had their appropriate articles. Useful, plain furniture, quite new. Mrs. Raynor halted in the kitchen, which was not below ground, and - gazed about her. The bright fire threw its warmth on the red bricks, a kettle was singing away, plates and dishes stood on the dresser shelves, other necessary articles were at hand. “‘T cannot understand it, Edina. You must have obtained the things on credit, after all Oh, that the school may succeed !—so that we may soon be enabled to pay for them.” “No credit has been asked or given, Mary,” was Edina’s answer. ‘The furniture has been bought and paid for, and it is yours.” “‘ Bought by whom?” “By me. You will not be too proud to accept it from your poor old friend Edina!” Mrs, Raynor sat down on the nearest wooden cnair, and burst into tears. = comicbooks.com