The Argosy — page 33: what you’re looking at

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

The Village Blacksmith. 21 married, they can’t expect there will never be anyone else but them- selves to think of,” said Mrs. Canter significantly. ‘*I know what you mean, Norah ; if that happens before I send for Janet, you must have her to stay with you, and look after her. I'll pay you well, though I know you won’t think of that.” ‘* Mr. Rex, you know I would do anything in the world for you and Miss Vera. You know, too, when I make a promise I keep it. I promise you I'll do my best to keep your secret. I'll look after Janet when you are gone. But, mark my words, sir, there is trouble in store for us. However, there is no need to forbode sorrow. The first thing I shall have to do is, to persuade Reuben to let Janet come to me for Whitsuntide; and I'll set about that to-morrow, please God, though I fear it won’t please Him at all.” *‘ Norah, you are a darling. My own mother would not do more for me, and could not do as much. Dear little mother, I wish I could tell her. I never deceived her in my life, or had a secret from her before ; but I dare not tell her this; she would fret herself into her grave between her love for me and her loyalty to my father.” ‘Dear no, sir, don’t tell Madame, whatever you do; an angel like her don’t want to be mixed up in such a business as this. Miss Vera, now, would delight in it; but I should not tell her till you are forced, and then Mr. Tempest can’t blame her. She may have troubles enough of her own some day. So let no one know it but you and me; my back is broad. By the way, Master Rex, before you go I want to tell you a secret about Miss Vera.” ** About Vera? the child has not got a lover, too, has she?” said Rex. ** Not one she would deign to look at, anyhow, bless her pretty face. No, it 1s nothing to do with lovers,” said Norah, who, having finished wringing, proceeded to make the grand tour of her tubs ; removing the contents of each to the succeeding tub till each tubful had gone up a stage in the process of washing ; the tub designated “first soak ” alone remaining empty. Just then a timid tap was heard at the wash-house door, and Norah, wondering which of her children had dared to interrupt her in the performance of the solemn rites she was engaged in, advanced with befitting dignity, and threw open the door with the air of a queen. A peal of silvery laughter, echoed by the little Canters, greeted her, and Vera, in her pale grey cloth dress and crimson hat, stood before her, laughing and beautiful. ‘We were just talking of you. Why did you interrupt us, Vera?” said Rex. ‘Because you were talking of me. Talk of the angels, etc.,” laughed Vera. ** And the other things appear,” returned Rex. “It is lucky for you my temper is, to-day atleast, angelic, Rex. I am wild with excitement, Norah. I have come to tell you the news GOnnGaoOo SS (CO)