The Argosy — page 74: what you’re looking at

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

64 The Missing Rubies. consciously, for weeks, had put out fibres, ivy-like, that were clinging firmly to his heart. One strong wrench, and the beautiful growing thing was torn away for ever, leaving an unsightly blank behind. “ Stavieski was right,” he thought. ‘ He told me that I had nothing more to do with the sweets of life. I must have been mad to fancy, even for a moment, that she was meant for me. I am white-haired ; I have no longer the power of winning a woman’s love; it was a dream ; only a dream!” His glance suddenly fell on something white lying on the carpet at his feet. It was one of the chrysanthemums that she had worn upon her bosom, and he picked it up and touched it with his lips. There is something in the fresh, pungent smell ot the flower that has, on certain minds, an invigorating influence. It recalls none of the rich odours of the vanished summer ; it conjures up no vision of warm groves and sapphire skies. It is a winter blossom, hardy, wholesome, fragrant, with that peculiar scent which seems to be strongest in desolation and decay. And to Vordenberg, it conveyed, in that dreary moment, a subtle strength and indescribable comfort. The rose was for another hand; but he was not left uncheered in the winter of his life. Love was denied him; but the friendship of a fresh, pure girl’s heart was not a thing to be lightly thrown aside. He locked up the chrysanthemum among certain hoarded treasures that belonged to the past; and faced his lonely life with the quiet courage that had carried him through many a mournful year. But something seemed to say to him that Beatrice would yet have need ot his aid, even if she had no need of his love. ° He was still calm, and still outwardly cheerful, when he saw Miss Ward on the following day. She was a lovely-vision of freshness in the gray morning, wrapped up comfortably in furs, with bright hair curling in little rings under a sealskin cap. For some seconds, she stood talking with Mrs. Milton in the hall, not noticing Mr. Vorden- berg standing in the shadow on the stairs. He watched her intently, admiring her tall figure, so erect, and straight, and pliant with youth- ful grace. She turned half round towards him, and he caught sight of a roll of music in her hand. “Wish me joy of my first dinner-party, Harriet,” be heard her say. *‘T would rather spend the evening quietly at home; but one must forget self for Mrs. Wyville’s sake. She has been so kind, you know, and she has set her heart on introducing me to this Madame Some- body.” “She has been kind,” Harriet responded. “But there is no need for you to be mixed up with Madame Somebody. Mrs. Wyville is always gushing over foreign friends. And I can’t think why she wants to keep you for a whole day and night.” ‘*T can understand her reasons. She needs Nurse's help in house- bold matters, and the children must be left to my care. Madame comicbooks.com