The Argosy — page 107: what you’re looking at

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

The Master of Greylands. 95 “If you do not dance them with me, Fthel, I shall sit down until the two first dances are over.” | He spoke still in the same laughing, half joking manner ; but, never- theless, there was a ring of decision in the tone of the last words ; and Ethel knew he meant what he said. The Castlemaines rarely broke through any decision they might announce, however lightly it was spoken ; and Harry possessed’somewhat of the same persistent will. “Tf you make so great a point of it, I will dance with you,” observed Ethel. ‘ But I must again say that you ought to take any- one, rather than me.” ‘‘T have not seen my uncle yet,” remarked Miss Castlemaine to Ethel, as Harry strolled away to pay his devoirs to the room generally. ‘‘ Where can he be lingering ? ” ‘Papa is not here, Mary Ursula.” ‘“* Not here ! how is that?” “Really I don’t know,” replied Ethel. ‘“ When Harry came running out to get into the carriage to-night—we had been sitting in it quite five minutes waiting for him; but he had been away all day, and was late in dressing—Miles shut the door. ‘Don’t do that,’ said Harry to him, ‘the master’s not here.’ Upon that, Mrs. Castlemaine spoke, and said papa was not coming with us.” “ T suppose he will be coming in later,” said Mary Ursula, as she | moved away to meet fresh guests. | The dancing began with a country dance; or, as would have been | said then, the ball opened with one. Miss Castlemaine and her lover, Mr. Blake Gordon, took their places at its head; Harry Castlemaine and Miss Reene were next tothem. For in those days, people stood much upon etiquette, even in the matter of taking places in a country dance ; precedence being accorded where it was due. The dance chosen was one called the Tnumph. Harry Castlemaine led Mary Ursula down between the line of admiring spectators. William Blake Gordon followed, and they brought the young lady back in triumph. Such was the opening figure. It was a sight to be remembered in after years ; the singular good looks of at least two of the three, the faces of all sparkling with animation and happiness, Harry, the sole male heir of the Castlemaines, with the tall fine form and the handsome face; and Mary Ursula, so stately and beautiful. Ethel Reene was standing alone, in her qutet loveliness, looking like a snowdrop, and waiting until her turn should come to be in like manner taken down. The faces of all sparkled with animation and happiness, the gala robes of the two young ladies added to the charm of the scene. Many recalled it later; recalled it with a pang ; for, of those four, ere a year had gone by, one was not, and another’s life had been blighted. No prevision, however, rested on any of them. this night) of) what the dark future held in store; and they revelled in the moment’s enjoyment, COMIC SOOKS.COM §