The Argosy — page 345: what you’re looking at

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

April 0868 Anne Hereford. 323 dows shaded with the trained clematis and jessamine. It was the favourite sitting-room at Chandos; other reception-rooms there were: a gorgeous double drawing-room, a well-stored library, a spacious dining-room ; but the oak parlour was the favourite. And none could wonder at it; for it was just one of those seductive apartments that speak to the feelings of repose. ‘‘ Where’s mamma ?” exclaimed Emily, as we entered. ‘Not far; she will be here directly, you may be sure,” replied Mr. Chandos. “Is this your first visit to our part of the country, Miss Hereford ?” ‘Yes; I never was here before.” Now what was there in this reply to offend Madame de Mellissie ? or did she resent his speaking to me at all? She turned round, haughty pride stamped on every line of her countenance, rebuke on her tongue; though the rebuke lay in the tone, rather than in the words. ‘Miss Hereford! the gentleman to whom you speak is Mr. Chandos.” Had I again omitted the sign of my dependent situation, the “ sir?” I, who had resolved, with my burning face (burning again now), never so to offend for the future. I supposed that that was the meaning of Madame de Mellissie; I suppose so still, to this hour. I had spoken as though I were the sounl of Ms. Chandos: I must not—I wou/d not —so offend again. ‘Emily, my love, you are welcome.” A little woman had entered the room, and was holding Madame de Mellissie in her arms. It was Lady Chandos. She wore a small and pretty widow’s cap of net, a rich but soft black silk dress, and black lace mittens. Her nose was sharp, and her small face had a permanent redness, the result of disturbed health. She was not like her daughter, not half so beautiful; and she was not like her handsome son, unless it was in the subdued, sad expression. She quite started back when her eyes fell on me, evidently not prepared to see a stranger. “Miss Hereford, mamma; a young lady whom I have engaged as companion. Alfred would not suffer me to travel alone.” Lady Chandos -turned to me with a pleasant smile, but it struck me as being a forced one. “T think you look more fit to take care of Miss Hereford, Emily, than Miss Hereford of you,” she said. ‘“‘T am the elder by some two or three years, if you mean that, mamma, Oh! it was just a whim of Alfred’s.” More questioning on either side; just the information sought for when relatives meet after a long absence. Emily answered carelessly and lightly ; and I sat behind unnoticed. Hill was called. Hill was still at Chandos, lady’s-maid and house- keeper, a confidential servant. She came forward, wearing a dark brown a4 COMIC OOOKS. EO