The Argosy — page 87: what you’re looking at

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

The Missing Rubies. 77 well pleased with this picture, that he had sent for another copy of it to give his friend. ‘“‘T ought to have sought you out long ago, Beatrice,” said Mr. Redburn, with genuine regret in his voice. “The truth is, I was al- ways promising myself that I would leave India, and always lingering. So the time slipped away, and I’ve come home at last, a broken-down old man with only a year or two before him.” ‘*But England will do wonders for you,” declared Harriet cheer- fully. ‘Do you mean to live in town, Mr. Redburn?” “T haven’t made up my mind yet,” he replied, still studying Beatrice’s face. ‘‘ My old acquaintance, Colonel Lindrick, has offered me a home for the present. He has a pretty place in Fairbridge.” Fairbridge ! The name of that old town sent the blood to Beatrice’s cheeks. It was Godwin Earle’s home; the scene of his bitter sorrow and humiliation. Mr. Redburn thought how pretty she was, and went on after a slight pause : “Colonel Lindrick and his daughter are now in town. They came on purpose to meet me on my return. I hope to bring Miss Lindrick to call on Miss Ward. You will find a friend in her, Beatrice.” Some strange foreboding chilled the girl’s heart at these words. She smiled rather coldly, and murmured something about being happy to make Miss Lindrick’s acquaintance. Her spirits did not rally after Mr. Redburn’s departure. In spite of Harriet’s pleasant predictions, she could not believe that anything good was to come out of this visit. As to new friends, what did she want with them? To one who is very happy, any change seems un- welcome. She met Godwin that evening with a graver face than usual, and half hoped that he would not think it necessary for her to respond very cordially to Mr. Redburn’s advances. It was Harriet who told him the story, with much animation and many comments, and he listened with the deepest interest. ‘“‘T know Redburn by name,” he said at last. “I used to hear men speak of him in India. He is a good old fellow, I believe, and was very well liked everywhere.” “He has not settled on a home yet,” ‘Harriet continued. ‘“ He is going to Fairbridge to stay with a Colonel Somebody—Lindrick— that is the name. And he means to bring Miss Lindrick to call on Beatrice.” A slight flush rose to Godwin’s face, and passed away as quickly as it came. Beatrice, who was watching him earnestly, wondered that he was so little moved. A few moments later, Harriet left them alone, and he came to the girl’s side and took her hand in his, “I wonder what you will think of Alma Lindrick?” he said, look- ing frankly down at his betrothed’s sweet face. “Beatrice, she was my first love; the very girl you noticed at the theatre!” ‘“*T don’t expect to like her much,” replied Miss Ward, with charm- comicbooks.com