The Argosy — page 379: what you’re looking at

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

The Missing Rubies. 361 **T am not a tool, Caroline,” he said, composedly. ‘Perhaps you will see, by-and-bye, that I do not give my support to anyone who can’t justly claim it.” “What if I refuse to be present at this meeting?” the Countess demanded haughtily. ‘ What if I say that I will not appear till’ these men are out of the house?” ‘* Why then, Caroline, we shall believe that, for certain reasons of your own, you are afraid to confront them.” At these words, very coolly and quietly uttered, the Countess grew still paler, and was silent. The Lindricks and Mr. Redburn were the first to arrive. The Colonel was a little constrained ; old Redburn gruff and sulky ; but Alma came up with sweet words and a pleading smile. “You won’t send me away, Miss Earle?” she entreated. “I do so want to hear everything. We are so rejoiced to find that poor Godwin was misjudged. What mistakes there must have been ! ” And then she fell back, and established herself by old Redburn’s side. Dorothy and Jane were far too nervous to talk. They could not help casting anxious glances towards the windows. A little clock on the chimney-piece struck eleven. There was a sound of wheels upon the drive ; two flys were coming up to the door. - ‘“‘ He is bringing troops of people,” muttered Caroline, scornfully. The first fly drew up to the terrace-steps. Godwin jumped out, and was followed by Mr. Corder, and a quiet-looking man with white hair. The second fly moved up ; Vordenberg descended, and helped out a lady, small, and full of figure. A few seconds more, and eheae five persons were ushered into the room. Canon Earle and Dorothy were standing near the entrance, to receive them. As Godwin came in, his uncle grasped his hand warmly ; and Dorothy held up her fair old face to be kissed. At that moment Jane, chancing to look at the Countess, saw that she had become white as death, and was graspirg her daughter’s arm. ‘‘That man—that man !” Olga heard her say. Vordenberg, tall and stately as ever, towered above everyone else in the room, What was this that Godwin was saying? Jane’s head had begun to swim, and Dorothy was filled with hopeless bewilderment. “ Aunt Dorothy—let me introduce Count Gliska.” No wonder the canon received his nephew’s friend so cordially ; no wonder that the old ladies were so confused and surprised. The name that had just been spoken was well-known in wider circles than this— well-known and always revered. Not only for his misfortunes, but 2 = for his own remarkable gifts and blameless life, was Count Gliska honoured wherever his name was heard. ‘Mr. Burnett,” said Godwin, presenting the white-haired man, who bowed very quietly. Then the three Earles shook hands very -— graciously with Mr. Corder, and looked inquiringly at the veiled lady who kept somewhat in the background. But Godwin did not VOL. XLIV. rv OO8le comicbooks.com