The Argosy — page 330: what you’re looking at

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

312 Archibald Lester's Advertisement. “Poppy,” whispered Edith, ‘don’t stare so ; it’s not polite.” ‘“‘T must, auntie, the gentleman is so funny,” retorted Poppy. ‘ Why doesn’t he talk more P” Edith pulled her long curls gently, and glanced gravely at Poppy, who only laughed. Archibald looked up, and saw the by-play. What a good, frank face Edith had, and how prettily she shook her head at the child. } ‘You must forgive Poppy, Mr. Lester,” said Mrs. Moreton. ‘She is SO young and sees so few strangers. “T suppose so,” ejaculated Archibald, and Poppy laughed more merrily than ever, while Edith tned to frown her down. ‘¢ Poppy,” said Mrs. Moreton, “‘ you are not a good girl and must leave the room.” And the child began to cry. “No, no! come here, Poppy, said Archibald, rousing himself with an effort and taking halfacrown from his pocket. “For sweeties, you know.” Poppy’s tears were dried in an instant, and she ran for the half-crown, which she seized and carried to her aunt Edith. Putting her arms round her neck, she whispered audibly enough for Archibald to hear, ‘Now you can buy Mammy’s medicine.” Archibald looked up in earnest, and saw that Edith’s face had turned crimson, and that tears were in Mrs. Moreton’s eyes. ‘You have not thanked Mr. Lester, Poppy,” said Edith, disengaging herself from the child. Poppy’s arms were round Archibald’s neck so suddenly that he was surprised into straightening it. He blushed as deeply as Edith had done. ‘Have you got another?” whispered Poppy, to the annoyance of her elders. His ready hand was in his pocket, but Edith rose hastily and took Poppy from the room. Mrs Moreton apologised for her child, and Lester said, “Not at all, not at all.” He sat some time in silence, watching the door, but they did not reappear. At last he said, ‘‘T suppose your sister’s not also a widow P” Mrs. Moreton suppressed a smile as she answered in the negative. Archibald began to discover what love at first sight really meant; he had nevér been so much attracted by a young lady before. ‘What a charming wife she would make!” he said. ‘ Do you think ”’ He paused. He was about to add, “she would have me on so short an acquaintance ?” but he felt the question would not come out. He dreaded the answer. Mrs. Moreton jumped at the expressed portion of it, and stumbling much in her reply, gave him to understand that she did not know, but she would ask her. ‘ By no means,” he said; but still craved |per- mission to call again. As soon as he was gone, Edith came back. ECoOMmicloooks (C(O) in —_)