The Argosy — page 115: what you’re looking at

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

| 103 GWEN] By E. M. ALForp. “aman, I wish you would ask Mr. Dallas to coach me up in my arithmetic. I am sure I shall fail in it if you don’t.” The girl who was speaking was standing on the rug in front of a cheery fire. She was tall and straight ; holding her ;head high, with a certain youthful imperiousness which was rather attractive. Her hands were clasped loosely before her, and her head was turned towards her mother, who leaned back in a low chair on her right hand. On the opposite side of the hearth sat a man of some thirty-two summers, with a kind and quietly humorous face; a face to pique the curiosity of an impetuous, enquiring young mind such as this girl’s, from the repose of its usual aspect and the latent power ot sarcasm in the curves of the well-shaped mouth. Mr. Dallas, for it was he, was mathematical master at the college of which Dr. Ellis, the girl’s father, was the head. “Gwen, you are the most audacious child I know,” said Mrs. Ellis, in a pleasing contralto voice, that harmonised with her face and bearing. She was handsomer than her daughter, although there was a certain resemblance between them. Gwen was not exactly pretty, but there was an undefined charm in the girl’s whole appearance, in her attitudes, her movements, her un- expected ways and words. One liked to watch her, rather wondering what would come next : what would be the next youthful enthusiasm which would take possession of her. She seemed the impersona- tion of young life on the threshold of the unknown and mysterious future. As her mother spoke in her rich, leisurely tones, Gwen turned her head with a little toss of impatience towards the other occupant of the room. “You do not think me unreasonable or impertinent, do you, Mr. Dallas? Yow would like me to come out well in the Oxford Local Examination, I’m sure, for the credit of us all. And the boys say you are the best coach in the school.” “The boys are under my authority, Miss Gwen; but you must remember that I shall have no authority over you,” said Mr. Dallas quietly, looking at her with an amused expression in his grey eyes. “Then you will take me in hand!” exclaimed the girl eagerly. “JT am so glad. When shall we begin? This afternoon? It isa holiday, and I am sure it does not look tempting for a walk.” ‘Very well, then. If Mrs. Ellis has no objection I will undertake the Herculean labour,” said Mr. Dallas, rising. ‘ Only remember, comicbhooks.conn