The Argosy — page 250: what you’re looking at

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

236 Lady Creighton. mirror spoke of some fair woman in a few long golden threads which Colonel Elton drew out with tender hand, and pressed to his lips in a passion of love and grief. On the floor at the foot of the couch we found a tiny crystal flask suggestive of much to Colonel Elton. But save the one little word ‘“ Nina,” scratched on a book, nothing more, by which to identify the life that had been, rewarded our diligent search: and lighted by the blaze of the rising sun we slowly and sadly returned to our camping- room. ‘There Franz met with a grief. His noble pet was dead! A fact strange as indisputable. That same day Elton and I were en route for London. It was one of Lady Creighton’s grand reunions. Colonel Elton had paid his respects, avoiding with infinite tact and grace the cordially extended hand of his hostess. Glancing at me, he said: “Lady Creighton, I have presumed upon my intimacy with the late Sir Robert and his lovely daughter so far as to bring an old friend. Allow me to present Major Falkland.” With shivering horror I gazed upon the woman glowing in the perfect maturity of her exquisite Italian beauty. No dress of black satin and ruddy-hued ribbons this time; but a crimson velvet robe, palpitating opals, shimmering diamonds, and laces a queen might have coveted. Rich and mellow was Colonel Elton’s voice when he spoke again. “We are just from Germany, Lady Creighton,” he said. Lady Ceighton paled under the eye with which he transfixed her. “We left the singing Rhine for the borders of a grand old forest— the very forest your feet once skirted.” I noted the same look of fear that swept the face under the frescoed walls. It was swift as awful, and she answered in silvery tones : “That was not remarkable, Colonel Elton. I resided in Germany a good many months. My late husband’s daughter was a great invalid, and we carried her thither when other means failed to reward our hopes. It was a sad time, for, Sir Robert being too feeble to leave England, all the responsibility fell upon me.” “You must have found it wearing,” my friend returned, with the same transfixing gaze. Lady Creighton had recovered herself somewhat, and her face betrayed nothing as she answered calmly : “I did. But I must entreat you to excuse me—other guests I see are waiting my leisure.” ** Mamma !” a sweet voice murmured at her elbow. “Ah! Here is my daughter, Beatrice Vinci. I suppose (you) have comicbooks.com