The Argosy — page 116: what you’re looking at

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

104 The Master of Greylands Mary met his hand cordially. She never doubted him or his identity fora moment. She had the gift of reading countenances, and she took to the pleasant, honest face at once, so like the Castlemaines In features, but with a more open expression. ‘IT am sure you are my cousin,” she said in cordial welcome. “I think I should have known you for a Castlemaine had I seen your face in a crowd.” “T see, myself, how like I am to the Castlemaines, to my father and grandfather : though unfortunately I have not inherited their height and strength,” he added, with a slight laugh. ‘‘ My mother was small and slight : I take after her.” , ‘And my poorjUncle Basil is dead !” ** Alas, yes! Only but afew weeks ago. These black clothes that I wear are in memorial of him.” It was a long while since Miss Castlemaine had met with anyone she liked so well at a first interview, and the quarter of an hour passed quickly. At its end, the servant again appeared, saying his master would see him in his private room: so he was conducted to it. But, as it seemed, Mr.Peter Castlemaine did not wait to receive him: for almost immediately he presented himself before his daughter. ‘This person has been with you, I find, Mary Ursula! Very wrong of Stephen to have brought him up here ! “T am glad he did bring him, papa,” was her impulsive answer. “ You have no idea what a sensibie, pleasant young man he is. I could almost wish he were more even than a cousin—a brother.” ‘‘Why, my dear, you must be dreaming!” cried the banker after a pause of astonishment. ‘ Cousin!—brother! It does not do to take strange people on trust in this way. The man may be, and I daresay is, an adventurer: no more related to the Castlemaines than J am related to the King of England.” ; She laughed. ‘You may take Az upon trust, papa, without doubt or fear. He is a Castlemaine all over, save in height. The lke- ness to grandpapa is wonderful ; it is so even to you and to Uncle James. But he says he has all needful credential proofs with him.” The banker, who was then looking from the window, stood fingering the bunch of seals that hung from his long and massive watch-chain, his habit sometimes when in deep thought. Presently he turn ed. ‘You believe, then, my dear, that he is really what he makes himself out to be—Basil’s son?” ‘‘ Papa, I think there can be no question of it. Rely upon it, the young man is not one who would lay himself out to deceive, or to countenance deception : he is evidently honest and open as the day.” “Well, I am very sorry,” returned the banker. “ It may, bringyaygrea deal of trouble upon James.” ECORNICLOOO SS (C(O) —_) a