The Argosy — page 168: what you’re looking at

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

156 The Missing Rubies. you like our town and its surroundings. To me, this dull old Fair- bridge will always be the very dearest place in all the world.” A faint sigh followed the words, and again Beatrice fancied that she had at first misjudged her companion. A woman, who clung so fondly to old scenes and their associations, could not possibly be shallow and cold at heart. It wanted only a few minutes to luncheon when they returned to Oak Lodge. Mr. Redburn, in his arm-chair by the fire, was fuming a little at Beatrice’s absence, and Colonel Lindrick was good-naturedly trying to smooth his ruffled plumes. “You have not yet said good-morning to me, my child,” said the old man in a fretful tone, as Beatrice entered. ‘ 1 have a great many things to say, and I expected to find you here when I came down- stairs.” The girl stood before him, her soft, cream-tinted face fresh from the air and sunshine, her ripe lips parted in a slight smile. She seemed to be inno haste to make excuses for herself ; and the Colonel, under the light of those deep blue eyes, was moved to take her part. “Alma was determined to carry off Miss Ward after breakfast,” he said, promptly. ‘‘ My daughter has an exaggerated notion of the beauties of Fairbridge, and always wants her guests to admire the place. I dare say she has bored Miss Ward fearfully !” “Do I look bored?” asked Beatrice, with dimpling cheeks. “You have no idea what a charming walk I have had!” “It was quite difficult to get her away from the bridge,” said Alma, putting her hand on Mr. Redburn’s chair and bending over him ; ‘but I did not forget you, and I reminded her that you were waiting for a long talk.” “You are always thoughtful for others,” replied the old man, with a well-pleased glance. ‘* My dear Beatrice, you must take lessons of Miss Lindrick. Remember that I shall want you after luncheon. We must have a serious, business-like conversation.” The girls ran away to take off their hats, and Alma gave Beatrice a sympathising nod and glance outside the door. “Don’t be afraid, the conversation won’t last long,” she whispered. “ His liver makes him dreadfully sleepy, and he coughs if he talks too much. He will doze off after a few minutes, and then you will be free to come to Meadow House with me.” Miss Lindrick was quite right. Beatrice dutifully prepared her- self to spend a weary afternoon by the invalid’s arm-chair; but Mr. Redburn’s drowsiness overpowed his desire to give her a long lecture. His eyelid’s grew heavy, his words came slowly, and presently he dismissed her, and gave himself up to a long nap. Her heart was beating fast when she walked down the chestnut avenue, and out into the sunny road that afternoon. She had taken pains with her dress, anxious to look her best in the eyes of-Godwin’s comicbooks.com