The Argosy — page 126: what you’re looking at

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

II4 Gwen. was something much more than that, the very type of gracious woman- hood. And, truly, in her simple but dainty summer attire, and with that rose-tint on her face, and her eyes shining with intense happiness, she was a sight to gladden a weary man’s heart. “Stop, driver!” she cried eagerly. And springing out of the carriage went straight across to the railings, and holding out her neatly-gloved hand to her tutor, exclaimed : ‘I’m so glad I am in time to see youall. How delightful the dear old place looks. Oh, I think it almost repays one for the banishment to come back and find it all the same.” And then she turned and shook hands with the other master, thus giving Mr. Dallas time to recover his self-possession, which, for the moment, he had lost utterly. However, with a desperate effort, he summoned his wits about him and said, as he lightly vaulted the rail- ings and stood beside her : “It is very good of you to come back to us with such kind words, but I feel quite ashamed to be caught in this bad form. Had we known, we would have given you a better reception.” ‘ And what better reception could I have than to find you all like this?” said Gwen, with a wonderfully thrilling tone in her voice. “*Don’t I love this dear old cricket-field next best to my own den? And have I not been almost wishing that I were a boy as I came along, that I might go down and take my turn at the bat? But I mustn’t stay gossiping here, when I’ve not even set eyes on my father and mother yet.” “They are not at home. What could have induced you to come back like this without even sending a line ?” ‘IT did send a ling, Mr. Mentor, so you need not begin to scold me as of old. And there it comes, just in time to save my character,” she exclaimed, as the afternoon postman turned the angle of the house. Gwen and Mr. Dallas were slowly sauntering up to the door, where the cab with Gwen’s boxes awaited her orders ; the other master—a comparatively slight acquaintance of hers—had lifted his hat and departed. What a stir and bustle there was among the servants when Miss Gwen’s sudden arrival became known, and what lamenta- tions about master and mistress having gone out to afternoon tea at a distant country rectory! But Gwen took it all very calmly; she ordered tea in the drawing-room, and insisted on Mr. Dallas taking it with her. ““T am not fit to sit down with you, Miss Gwen,” said the tutor, surveying himself ruefully in the long mirror beside the elegant young lady who was laying her commands upon him. ‘What nonsense!” exclaimed the girl. “ As if it mattered a scrap what coat you have on, when you are just Mr. Dallas all the same. However, I will allow you five minutes to wash your hands, if it will make you feel more satisfied. Only five minutes, mind,” she 3() comicbooks.com