The Argosy — page 111: what you’re looking at

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

The Master of Greylands. 99 * Oh very, very much.” “Well, youth is the time for enjoyment,” observed the banker. “We can never again find the zest in it, once youth is past.” “You look tired, sir; otherwise I—I might have ventured to tres- pass on you for five minutes’ conversation, late though it be,” pursued Mr. Blake Gordon, with some hesitation. “ Tired /—not at all. You may take five minutes ; and five to that, William.” “Tt is about our future residence, sir. Raven’s Priory is in the market : and I think—and Mary thinks—it will just suit us.” ‘‘ Ay; I heard more than a week ago that the Wests were leaving.”’ “" The words took William Blake Gordon by surprise. He looked at the banker. “Did you, sir !—more than a week ago! And, did it not strike you that it would be a very suitable place for us?” “T cannot say that I thought much about it,” was the banker’s ‘answer; and he was twirling an omament on the mantel-piece about with his hand as he spoke: a small, costly vase of old china from Dresden. ‘‘ But don’t you think it would be, sir?” “‘T daresay it might be. The gardens and conservatories have been well kept-up ; and you and Mary Ursula have both a weakness for rare flowers.” That was perfectly true. And the “weakness” showed itself then, for the young man went off into a rapturous description of the wealth of Raven’s Priory in that respect. The ten minutes slipped away to twenty ; and in his own enthusiasm Mr. Blake Gordon did not notice the absence of it in his hearer. ‘But I must not keep you longer, sir,” he suddenly said, as his eyes caught the hands of the clock. ‘“‘ Perhaps you will let me see you about it to-morrow. Or allow my father to see you—that will be better.” “Not to-morrow,” said Mr. Peter Castlemaine. “I shall be par- ticularly engaged all day. Some other time.” ‘‘Whenever you please, sir. Only—we must take care that we are not forestalled in the purchase. Much delay might ” “We can obtain a promise of the first refusal,” interrupted the banker in a somewhat impatient tone. ‘“ That will not be difficult.” ‘True. Good-night, sir. And, thank you for giving us this most charming evening.” ‘‘Good-night, William.” But Mr. Blake Gordon had not yet said his last farewell to his betrothed wife ; and lovers never think #4a¢ can be spoken often enough. He found her in the music-room, seated before the organ. he was waiting for her father. ee