The Argosy — page 322: what you’re looking at

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

306 Within their Gates. They did not expect him home until after dark. It was more than a two hours’ journey, even for swift Billy. Mr. Owen's visits to the large towns were rare, and when he did go, he liked to make the most of his stay there. What, then, was the astonishment of two of the girls, Eleanor and Gwendolin, as they sat at work on the bench outside the window in the afternoon, to see their father approach from the direction of the stables: whither he had evidently driven at once to leave his horse and gig. What could be the meaning of his early return ? They asked it one of another, these two simple-hearted girls ; bat they did not dare to ask it of him. For on Mr. Owen’s face lay an expression of gravity, rarely seen there; of intense trouble. “Where is Mary ?” he began. “Gone over to Niton, papa: to take some cold meat and a few eggs to poor old Jenny Thomas. Is—is anything the matter, papa, that you have come back so soon?” ‘ “Mr. Shepard—is he out also?” returned the farmer, leaving Eleanor’s timid question unanswered. “No, I think he is in his room.” Without another word, Mr. Owen proceeded to his guest’ s chamber, knocked, and entered it. .What took place during that interview was known to themselves only. Ina very short while—only a quarter of an hour, as it seemed to the children waiting below—both of them came forth from it. Mr. Shepard had his black valise in his hand, apparently packed for travelling. “T am very sorry for this,” said the farmer, in a low tone, as he held out his hand. “I would not turn anyone willingly from my gates, who has been a guest within them, as you have. But you perceive how it is. Your own safety renders it imperative.” “T thank you with all my heart, Mr. Owen. I am glad you know the truth now: it has sometimes been on my mind to tell it you, unquestioned. Perhaps we may meet again—in another country, if not in this. Should we never do so, believe me you will have my best gratitude as long as my life shall last; my truest wishes for the welfare of yourself and of your family.” “And you have my best wishes, and you know in what way I mean,” returned the farmer. “I ought not to say as much ; but I do, and I can’t help it. You are sure you have money ?” “Plenty of it. Thank you truly for all.” “Eleanor, Gwendolin—bid good-bye to Mr. Shepard,” said the farmer, as they emerged from the house. “He is going away.” “Going away!” echoed the girls, stricken aghast. “Oh, Mr. Shepard, will you not come back again?” “TI fear not,” he answered with a smile, as he took their hands. And Eleanor, impressionable Eleanor, burst into tears. They had all comiliclhhooks.co