The Argosy — page 372: what you’re looking at

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

354 The Missing Rubies. Dorothy as well as Jane. She thought it unfriendly in the Colonel to disclose a painful family matter to a stranger like Mr. Redburn. Ever since Miss Ward’s hasty departure there had been a decided coolness between Meadow House and Oak Lodge. Even Alma, with all her tact, could not succeed in getting back to her old footing with the Earles. . The Countess Gradizoff had never been told why Beatrice had hurried away from the Lindricks’ house. Her sisters always avoided making any references to Godwin in her hearing. And as Alma had never been very intimate with Caroline, no confidences were exchanged between them. CHAPTER XXX. ALMA LINDRICK. WHEN Jane was walking through the sunny old High-street of Fair bridge, one of the first acquaintances she met was Alma Lindrick, who came up, smiling, to greet her. They met close to the old Gothic portal of the church; a low arched door, richly decked with ivy. Some shrill notes sung by melancholy boyish voices came drifting out into the street. Alma was looking troubled and worn. She wore a delicate, cream-coloured gown, and her thin face was shaded by a broad hat with a pale-blue satin lining. Some years ago she might have looked fresh and pretty in such a costume, but to-day her dress seemed to make her prematurely faded and old. Jane was touched by her aspect, and spoke more cordially than usual. ‘“‘Papa has had a letter from Canon Earle,” said Alma, after a few words about commonplace things. ‘It has surprised him very much. I suppose you know all about it ?” Yes,” Jane replied. ‘“ We heard from our brother this morning. Does Mr. Redburn mean to attend the meeting at our house on Monday ?” ‘He can hardly refuse to come. He, too, has had a note from the Canon. It seems to be quite a sensational affair; a great many disclosures are promised. Very odd, is it not?” “Tt is unexpected,” said Jane. ‘‘ But, of course, we are very glad that the mystery is about to be cleared up.” ‘* And the Countess—what does she say ?” “She is ill,” answered Jane, gravely. ‘We have not told her anything yet. Her headaches are very severe, and her nerves are in an irritable state. I don’t think it will be wise to mention the matter to her till Monday comes. We are quite concerned about her health.” “ Certainly the Countess has not been looking well, lately. Dear Miss Jane, I think the world is full of invalids! Poor Beatrice Ward was ill after she left us so suddenly.” - dla comicbooks.com