The Argosy — page 332: what you’re looking at

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

314 Archibald Lester's Advertisement. “And Edith would make such a wife, if you only knew each other better.” ‘“‘T dare say. Where is she?” “Would you go to her yourself? She won’t come to you.” “ What could I say?” ‘Whatever you thought best.” Here Poppy burst into the room exclaiming, ‘I want another big silver penny. I told auntie I would come, and she tore my frock.” Edith was in the passage, whither she had followed Poppy, and Archi- bald caught sight of her. He rose and bowed, less awkwardly than might have been expected. Mrs. Moreton said, ‘‘ Come in Edith,” and, having no excuse, she went in. “T will be your wife if you will give me another big penny,” said the avaricious Poppy. ‘‘ Auntie says she wont.” This time Mrs. Moreton seized upon her and dragged her away, just as the coveted half-crown was within her reach. To Edith’s horror and anger, she shut the door after her, as if to deaden the cries of the disappointed Poppy. “‘T am quite ashamed of her and of my sister,” said the indignant Edith. ‘I am surprised that you, Mr. Lester,1f you are a gentle- man ” He certainly was a gentleman, though of peculiar fashion, and the “if” aroused his pride. He began to look upon this handsome, decided young lady as a sort of brother-merchant to-whom he could speak as if he were on Change. He actually,faced her, and in so doing his neck straightened, and his quick eyes twinkled. He was not by any means bad-looking when at his ease and animated, and he found her more enchanting than ever. She had such frank, beautiful hazel eyes, and such a clear, open face. “‘ T hope—I am—a sort of a gentleman ——" he said, hesitating, in spite of his best intentions. ‘Then why did you advertise for a housekeeper, and take my sister and I daresay many others, in? ”’ ‘Many? A portmanteau-full. I burnt ’em all. Their letters, I mean.” ‘IT wish you had burnt mine—my sister’s I should say.” ‘¢Tt was too much to the purpose. Are you always so short?” ‘“T am considered tall. - Have you anything more to say, Mr. Lester P ” There ‘vas a business-tone in Edith that set him really at his ease at last. He began to understand that he must cut a sorry figure before so sensible and spirited a girl, so he tried to explain. ‘“‘¥ suppose I really have been foolish, but you see, Miss Edith——” “‘ My name is Sumner, Mr. Lester.” ‘I beg your pardon, Miss Sumner ;” he continued, shy again. “ But ECoOMmiclooolkKks (C(O) in —_)