The Argosy — page 219: what you’re looking at

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

Recollections of a Governess. 203 “‘{ don’t understand,” she cried, hoarsely; but I felt some glimmer of the truth was dawning on her, and that it was terrible. Mr. Crayford walked to the door, then returned, standing before her. He said, ‘‘I am willing to shield your brother entirely, because he is your brother. I am willing to pay all his debts—all he has borrowed from your father—to set him free to begin life again—if you will be my wife.” “Impossible,” she cried, msing indignantly. “You must propose some other terms—anything but that !” ‘“‘Ah, my dear Miss Dacre, nothing less will satisfy me. You must choose. I leave your brother’s fate in your hands. Your brother's fate —your father’s life—your mother’s happiness—all rest with you. Believe me, this has been my dream for years. I ventured even to hope my long and deep admiration could be no secret to you. Think of Edward ruined—name blasted—the good old name—only to be mentioned in a whisper, by those nearest and dearest to him! And then remember, you can save him. One little word of encourage- ment—I will give you time—I will not hurry you—only promise— everything you ask shall be done—and my whole life devoted to you.” He ventured to take her hand. She withdrew it instantly. 1 must interfere now, I thought. ‘ Will you be good enough to leave Miss Dacre now,” I said, coming forward : “this has altogether been such a shock to her. She is unfit to give any kind of answer at present, and Lady Dacre must first be told.” “ Certainly,” he said, and he smiled; but I felt he was annoyed. “I will call in the afternoon.” He held out his hand; she would not see it. “ Good-bye for the present,” he said gently. to her, and left the room. She sank back in to a chair and hid her face. No tears came; it was beyond tears: and I could do nothing for her; with all my love for my child, I was powerless. At last she said, ‘‘ Marry him, marry that man ! sell myself for money !” ‘No, darling, not for money ; if you do it, it 1s to save your brother from shame and your parents from grief; though I will not urge you Helen.”’ Lady Dacre entered unperceived by either of us, “ Helen, dear,” she said, putting her hand on her shoulder, ‘“ what has happened ? What did Mr. Crayford want?” She looked up, deadly pale; no words came. I opened the window, and let the soft fresh air blow in on her; Lady Dacre turned to me, and in a whisper asked, ‘“‘Has he spoken?” I bowed my head; I felt choking too. She waited a few moments, and then said gently, “ Helen, darling, do not accept him if you cannot like him.” “Oh, mother, mother, you don’t know all. Henever would have. dared to—to—” gasped Helen, “if he had not had me in his power.” COMIC OOOKS. EO .