The Argosy — page 354: what you’re looking at

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

332 Anne Hereford. Apel 1. 180k Apeil s, 1868. deserved it. What right had I, Anne Hereford, to be curious, and to show it? It effectually silenced me for the rest of the day. We dined together ; herself, Lady Chandos, and I. Mrs. Chandos I saw no more of, and Mr. Chandos was dining at Marden, a town some few miles off. We were at breakfast the following morning, when the letters, as before, were brought in. Two or three for the servants, which Mr. Chandos returned to Hickens, one for Mr. Chandos, and one for Madame Alfred de Mellissie. “T thought he would be writing,” Emily observed, in a tone of apathy, carelessly holding out her hand for the letter. ‘“‘ Though I know he hates it like poison, Frenchman like.” “Tt is not your husband’s hand, Emily,” said Mr. Chandos. ‘““No? Why—I declare it is old Madame de Mellissie’s! What can be amiss?” she cried. “There! was ever anything like that?” she exclaimed, glancing down the letter. ‘‘Alfred’s taken ill: his fancied gastric fever has turned into a real one. And I must go back without delay, the old meére writes. “Is he very 111?” inquired Lady Chandos. ‘So she says—in danger. But she is timid and fanciful. I shall not go.” ‘Will you allow me to see the letter, Emily?” asked Lady Chandos, in a grave tone. “See it and welcome; read it out for the public benefit, 1f you will, mamma. Look at Harry, staring at me with his blue eyes! He deems me, no doubt, the very model of a loving wife.” “Emily! can you have read this letter?” asked Lady Chandos. “Yes, I’ve read it.” ‘Then how can you hesitate? Your husband is in danger: he may not survive: he will not, they say, unless a change takes place. You must hasten away by the first train.” ‘‘Mamma, you need not take the half of it for gospel Madame de Mellissie is so wrapped up in her son, that if his finger aches she sends for a doctor, and asks whether it will mortify.” “ Child! I must recommend you to go,” was the impressive response of Lady Chandos. ‘Of course I shall go; I never meant to hesitate,” came the peevish answer. “ But it is excessively tiresome.” It appeared that the letter to Mr. Chandos was also from Madame de Mellissie, asking him to urge his sister’s instant departure. She finished her breakfast, and was leaving the room to prepare, when she saw me following. “T do not want you just now, Miss Hereford. Pauline will see to my things.” COMIC OOOKS. EO An)