The Argosy — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

76 The Missing Rubies. lawyer's advertisement. And no one supposed for a moment that any startling change was close at hand. ‘It is only the unexpected that ever happens,” says an old proverb. And little could the lovers foresee danger to their hopes in those few words in the newspaper. . The Wyvilles were taking Easter holidays ; and on the afternoon of the next day, Harriet and Beatrice were at home together. Both were busy with needle-work, chatting cheerfully over their occupation, and enjoying the bright sunbeams that made their way through the French window. The room was sweet with flower-scents; Beatrice wore a little bunch of violets on the bosom of her dress, and looked as fresh and pure as any of those spring blossoms that gladdened the eyes out-of-doors. A loud double-knock, resounding through the house, interrupted the talk for a moment, and, before it could be resumed, the door was flung o “Mr. Redburn and Mr. Blair,” announced the page. Harriet rose with perfect self-possession. One glance at the yellow- visaged old man, with a loosened wrapper hanging round his neck, convinced her that he must be an Anglo-Indian. The lawyer, who followed him, shot a swift look at the tall girl, standing near the window, and was about to speak. But his client was before him. “T am here in consequence of a letter rece'ved by my solicitors,” he began, straightforwardly enough. ‘Captain Ward was a great friend of mine, and I am very anxious to see his daughter.. My name is Redburn.” ‘This is Miss Ward,” said Harriet. The old coffee-planter stepped forward with an eager look into the girtl’s face. And no sooner did those deep-blue eyes meet his, than he gave a gruff murmur of satisfaction. “Poor Ward’s eyes,” he said. ‘I should have known her without any introduction. My dear young lady, I have heard your father talk of you many times. Have you any remembrance of my name?” ‘* J have,” replied Harriet quietly. ‘‘I remember a letter in which Captain Ward said he had saved your life in a tiger-hunt Am I right ? ” “Quite right.” The old man was grateful for her ready tact and good memory. “And you are ——” “Mrs, Milton now. But when Captain Ward knew me, I was Miss Stuart, his daughter’s governess.” “Ah, I recollect hearing my friend speak of you! And your grandfather,” he added, turning to Beatrice, “is he living still?” “ He died last May,” she answered. “ It was his wish that I should come to Mrs. Milton.” A long conversation followed, and letters and photographs were produced. Beatrice looked with misty eyes at a portrait of herself, taken when she was a child of twelve and wore her hair cut short, rippling in flossy rings over her head. Captain Ward had been so comicbooks.com