The Argosy — page 193: what you’re looking at

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

Lady Grace. 179 ‘A hundred pounds!” exclaimed Gertrude. ‘I cannot believe it. What is your own opinion, Uncle Henry? Do you think Charley has done all this, or that someone—as he calls it—has been personating him ?” ‘*Shouldn’t care to go too closely into that question,” said his easy lordship. ‘‘Shouldn’t have the smallest doubt upon the point myself, but for one thing; Charley has hitherto been the very quint- essence of truth and honour.” “Of course he is, and always has been, and always will be,” cried Grace, warmly. ‘“ He is not likely to change now. Uncle Avon, Charles would never buy jewellery that he could not pay for. As to the play—I suppose they mean that he went to it with some fast young men—perhaps had been dining with them. I dare say he couldn’t help himself.” “ That’s just it,” said Lord Avon. “It is so easy for young fellows living in London to slide unconsciously into debt and all manner of trouble Do you see that hill?” he added, pointing a little way to the left. ‘Whitton Beacon? Yes, But what has that to do with Charley ?” “When I was a youngster, I and some other lads used to go to the top of that mound, and slide down it. Once off, no earthly power could have stopped us until we reached the bottom. So is it with young fellows like Charley ; once in for a thing, it is almost im- possible to pull up. In this instance I dare say he bought chains and rings at different times, never pausing to think that in the end the sum would mount up to a formidable item.” “ Does he ask you to help him? Is that his reason for writing ?” “Not at all. He distinctly disowns any motive of the kind; does not intend to pay the bill himself, or to allow anyone else to pay it for him. He says he knows that Dr. Dynevor is about to acquaint me with the whole affair, and wishes to give me first of all his own version of it. Amongst other changes, the engagement with Mary is broken off.” * But that is serious,” exclaimed Gertrude, much troubled. “It will ruin both their lives. Who has done it?” “Dr. Dynevor, and on account of these matters. I’m sorry for Charley, and suppose I must see into it,” concluded the Earl, passing at length through the gate. “If I find he has imposed this fine tale of innocence upon me, I shall be more angry with him than I ever was before in my life. Don’t speak of it to your mother, Ger- trude. Now I must be off to the Rectory.” He walked away. Gertrude went slowly up the garden and crossed to a natural arbour formed by the interlacing trees, and there sat down on a bench overshadowed by the flowering lilac and drooping labumum. Removing her straw hat, and letting it hang from her arm by its long blue streamers, she began to think of Charles. She wished Lord Avon had shown her the letter; but he had declined comichooks.conn