The Argosy — page 97: what you’re looking at

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

How Lord Roland Met hs Wife. 87 soon loosened it. By the time it lay upon the ground, both were well recovered from their recent agitation. ‘‘This is one thing more I have to thank you for,” said Roland. Will you tell me what your name is?” They no longer felt or spoke as strangers. Those moments of supreme excitement had brought them closer to each other than months of ordinary acquaintance would have done. She told him: Margaret Shelland. ‘“ Margaret.” He repeated the name softly to himself. Then, resuming his light tone: ‘* Tell me that you forgive my stealing Peepy, as I did.” ‘ Why did you steal him?” she inquired, her eyes alive with feminine curiosity. ‘‘T meant to make him take another message. But you might justly ask me how I came to send the one I did. I acted without thinking ; I never dreamt that you would come. Great Heaven! to think of what I nearly led you into! Was there no one you could send ?” I might have sent old Isaac; but he is slow. And Oh, I am so glad I did not. My father sprained his foot two days ago, and cannot walk with it. And there was no one else.” ‘¢ And did your father let you come ?” ‘He did not know it,” she replied. ‘I heard Peepy tapping at my window ; I took him in, and I saw the paper in a minute. I read it, and I nearly screamed aloud; but then I thought, my father, if he sees this, will send Isaac, and he will be too late. I will go myself. And I ran all the way. Perhaps my father has not missed me yet; but I must make haste back and tell him.” And I must come with you,” he safd. “I have to thank him for my life, since I owe it to his daughter.” ‘* Not to me only,” she said, smiling. ‘To Peepy also.” ‘‘ True,” said Roland ; ‘“‘true. I owe my gratitude to Peepy. But what do I owe to Margaret, my angel of deliverance—to her who brought me back from death to life and love?” As he spoke the last word, rather murmured than aloud, he looked into her face, on which the moonlight rested. She was pale still; she trembled yet; but at his words and look she blushed a rosy red. And then they went together down the shore. And that was how Lord Roland met his Wife. COnmicloooel —_— SS (CO