The Argosy — page 175: what you’re looking at

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

163 Pad, | >" JACK’S NIECE. A CAB drew up in front of the officers’ quarters in Overbridge Barracks one cold December evening, and a young lady leant out of the window and spoke to a man standing near. ‘Does Captain Kerr live here?” she asked. ‘Yes, miss,” answered the man; “and I’m his servant. But the Captain’s at mess just now.” Oh, dear! how unfortunate. I suppose I must come in and wait. Please have my boxes taken in and pay the cab.” This being done, Private Jones, looking somewhat surprised, not- withstanding his natural stolidity, ushered the visitor into his master’s sitting-room, poked the fire and said : *¢ Shall I let the Captain know you’re here, miss ?” “When does he come back from mess, generally ?” ‘‘ He'll be back early to-night, miss, for he bid me keep up a good fire, as he was coming to write letters after dinner.” * Then I will wait.” And taking off gloves, hat and jacket, the girl drew a comfortable-looking arm-chair near the fire and sat down— presently falling into a gentle slumber; the result, no doubt, of the: warmth after the cold air outside. When Jack Kerr returned from mess, at a comparatively early hour, he was surprised to find the passage he shared with several brother- officers blocked up with trunks, and he wondered “ which of the fellows” they could possibly belong to. ‘Whose are these, Jones ?” he asked, seeing his servant standing near. ‘The young lady’s, sir.” And noticing his master’s inquiring look, added : “‘ The young lady in your room, sir.” “The what ? What do you mean? Young lady in my room ? What are you talking about?” And without waiting for any answer, Captain Kerr pushed open his door, and there He could scarcely believe his eyes. In front of the fire sat a girl of eighteen or thereabouts, asleep in his arm-chair ; two tiny feet in a dainty pair of buttoned boots reposed on the fender, and altogether she had the air of being thoroughly at home. Jack’s eyes opened, his jaw fell, and all he could say was: ‘Good gracious ! why—— ” At this the sleeper awoke, and catching sight of the new-comer, jumped up and exclaimed : ‘Here I am, Uncle Jack! Are you not surprised to see me?” Then, seeing his look of blank astonishment, added : “I’m your niece, Daisy ; your sister Mary’s daughter.” COnmicloooel —_— SS (CO