The Argosy — page 73: what you’re looking at

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

The Missing Rubtes. 63 few questions, has he not? I will not presume too far upon my privilege.” “TI am sure you will not ask any question that I shall not willingly answer, Mr. Vordenberg.” Already he had comforted and reassured her, and there was evident gladness in her voice and eyes. ; “Well, I should like to hear his name,” he continued, still busy with the music. ‘The name of the man whom you have made happy to- day ; what is it?” She had a little difficulty in uttering it, and it came rather slowly from those ripe, red lips of hers. “Tt is Godwin Earle.” “Thank you,” he said frankly. ‘I shall remember that name. Someday you must let me see him and know him; I am prepared to like him for your sake. Ah, here, at last, is the song I have been searching for! Listen to this. It is a true bridal hymn.” He did not touch the harp again, but went to the piano, and played a few full-sounding chords. And then his voice rang out, richer and stronger than she had ever heard it yet. She did not guess that he was singing a dirge for his own dead hopes; but there is seldom a bridal melody that is not somebody’s wail! And the joy and power of the music filled her like strong wine, and set her beyond the reach of vague fears. Vordenberg had truly said that he would silence the echoes of the former song. “That was magnificent!” she cried, when the strain ceased. ‘ But don’t ask me to sing to-night; I could not bear the sound of my own poor little voice after anything so grand! How shall I ever thank you enough for the strength you have given me?” *T do not want thanks,” he replied, as he rose from the piano, and stood quietly fronting her once more. ‘All I desire is your entire confidence. If any difficulties arise in your path—if any troubles gather round /im—then remember me. Once more I offer you my fullest service—now, and in the time to come.” His voice trembled slightly, and his face was very pale; there was a moisture in the brilliant eyes that told of genuine feeling. Beatrice was deeply moved. Her words came falteringly, and her tears were ready to fall. | ‘‘] shall always feel my gratitude, even if I do not speak it,” she said, toying unconsciously with some white chrysanthemums in the front of her dress. ‘And fe will feel it too. Already I have told him all about you.” “ That ‘all’ must be very little,” he replied, smiling. ‘©T think it is a great deal. It seems as if I had known you for years, Mr. Vordenberg.” She smiled brightly as she held out her hand and said good-night. Another moment and he was standing alone in the room. Alone, indeed! The hope which he had been cherishing, half un- comicbooks.com