The Argosy — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

46 Princess Eleanor. ‘“‘If my arguments have not yet persuaded you, I will speak the word to which you cannot close your ear. You have always shown true devotion to Princess Eleanor. You can now show that that devotion is strong enough to induce you to make a sacrifice. If you rob me of honour and fortune, you rob her of a husband. ‘To become that, I have firmly resolved. Keep your word for Eleanor’s sake; and besides, you must not forget that I intend paying you well. I will warrant that you shall never hear of Prince Ernest again, and will recompense you in a royal manner—make you rich for life. I intend making over to you my mother’s fortune, amounting to about 300,000 thalers.” As he said this, victory flashed from his eyes. Geoffrey, I mastered myself no longer. Whose patience, I ask you, would have resisted so long? I could despise him for everything else ; but for this I must punish him in another manner. “To all your sophism, Count, I have but one answer. It is the question : Will you give me back my word, or not?” ‘‘T should be a precious fool to do so!” was the insolent answer. ‘¢ Then you are a villain!” “¢ Say one word more,” he exclaimed, in a rage, “and I will have you turned out by my servants!” He stretched out his hand for the bell-rope, but I stood before him with my hand raised over him. ‘One movement, scoundrel, and I knock you down. You have forfeited your right as a gentleman, but in my fearful position I can do but one thing. I quit this house to send you my seconds.” “Do you believe that I think a man of your sort good enough to fight with ?” “You will have to, if you do not wish me to horsewhip you in the public streets.” These words, uttered with a voice trembling with rage, had their effect. ‘You shall pay for that with your life !” he muttered, pale as death. ‘¢T will expect your witnesses this very day.” I went away to take the necessary steps for the arrangement of a meeting for life or death. If I fall, Geoffrey, my friend, then you must hurry to this place, and justify me with Eleanor. I will deposit my will, and a last word to her, in safe hands. You will hear from me either very soon or never again. Your friend, WALTER. (Zo be concluded.) comicbooks.com