The Argosy — page 179: what you’re looking at

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

Fack's Nuece. 167 seems like a dream that I should be here—and oh! how good of you to have me. I felt so frightened and miserable last night when Uncle Jack said he didn’t know what to do with me, and now I’m so happy. But—I suppose I must go off to Feltham to-day,” she added ruefully. } ** No, no,” answered kind Mrs. Allarton. ‘‘ Now you are here you must not hurry away. Until your friends return to Feltham you need not think of going there.” * You’re just in time for the ball to-night,” added Major Allarton, with a smile. ‘© A ball ! Oh, may I go—do you think Uncle Jack will take me?” ** If he won't, I will,” said Mrs. Allarton, who could not suppress a smile at the girl’s eager face. ‘‘ But have you a dress ready ?” ‘Yes ; such a nice new white frock! But I want things: gloves, and shoes, a fan, and ” **] think QOverbridge can supply all you need,” laughed Mrs. Allarton. ‘‘ And here comes your uncle.” Once more Daisy caused Jack some embarrassment by bestowing on him a shy kiss, and her face fell as he said : ** I must make some arrangement to relieve you of this young lady to-day, Mrs. Allarton. I think I had better take her to Feltham Park myself—— ” ‘No, no, Captain Kerr; now she is here, let her stay for a little. I am delighted to have her. And there is the ball to-night; she will enjoy that.” ‘You're too good! But I don’t like ——” * Oh! Uncle Jack, don’t send me away till after the ball!” ** Well, Daisy, as Mrs. Allarton is so kind ” Everything was soon settled. The Allartons had really taken a fancy to Daisy and were genuinely pleased to have her—and the girl was only too glad to stay with her new friends. Jack went off much relieved ; promising to return at twelve o'clock, after his morning duties had been performed, and take Daisy out shopping. As they walked back to the Allartons’ when shopping was over, they met some people on horseback. ‘ Oh, how I should like a good gallop!” cried Daisy, looking after the riders longingly. “Do you ride? have you a habit? If so, I'll take you for a turn this afternoon. One of my horses carries a lady.” “Qh! how delightful! There’s nothing I like so much as a good ride,” answered Daisy, eagerly. ‘I do think you’re the very nicest uncle I ever heard of !” Nothing could have been neater than Daisy in her habit, and her uncle felt a thrill of affectionate pleasure as they set off for a long ride together. ‘Really, Mary’s girl is the jolliest little thing I’ve ever met, a charming niece, and one a fellow may be proud of,” he thought. If there was one thing he was particular about it was how a lady looked on horseback, and Daisy satisfied his fastidious taste COnmicloooel —_— SS (CO