The Argosy — page 168: what you’re looking at

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

154 What Our Advertisement Brought. house at all,” she concluded, ‘“‘but my sistef, and myself, and the domestics, of course.” “The domestics, of course,” he repeated, pleasantly; ‘‘and very comfortable must such an arrangement be. I can only hope my young friend will not unpleasantly intrude on your genteel and refined privacy. And now,” he added, giving a last look round the room, “TI have only to thank you for your kindly proferred information. I am sure my young friend will decide to take up his residence with you, and will doubtless wish to come at once. One thing—pardon my mentioning it, ladies,—the venetian blinds, being new, have a—have still.a slight odour clinging to them : and the odour of paint is not too agreeable. Might I suggest that the window should be opened a little—allow me —a very little is enough. There, half an inch—quite sufficient. I trust you pardon the hiberty of the suggestion.” We thought it a kind suggestion, and it was natural for us to tell him so. Deborah and I did so in concert, as we tripped downstairs before him. Midway the elderly gentleman paused and looked back. “TI see,” he said, with a wave of his hand, ‘“‘that my young friend will sleep alone on this story.” “Would that be a drawback?” inquired Deborah, with a sudden access of anxiety. ‘“ Was his young friend nervous ?” - “Nervous ; yes, a little,” the elderly gentleman allowed, regretfully, “but only on the subject of fire.” Deborah and I both hastened to explain how we always saw the fires put safely out before we went to bed. Then the elderly gentleman’s mind appeared quite set at rest on behalf of his young friend. There seemed nothing more to say, so he brushed his hat with his hand, bade us good-bye, put on his hat, went out upon the steps, and took it off again with a polite backward glance and bow. Presently, through the dining-room window, we saw him hail a hansom and drive off. I felt in a most exuberant state of delight, but contented myself by remarking stolidly that it had all turned out very well. “Well!” echoed Deborah, ringing: the bell twice as she spoke. “Didn't I tell you what that advertisement would bring? How cleverly we managed it. Now we must explain it all to Ann. She must be prepared and instructed. Put out the sheets, Lavinia; and how about the towels? and as for that new dozen of frilled pillow- covers—what a good thing I’m not excitable, else I should be ina pretty state now. How slow Ann is, and I want a hundred things done. Don’t interrupt me when I am giving my orders, Lavinia; do be calm.” Our preparations were not entirely over until night, though (looking back now) I cannot remember any important thing we did except airing linen. I had determined to sleep on the spare bed, to keep. it (CO) mn —_)