The Argosy — page 335: what you’re looking at

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

Archibald Lester's Advertisement. 317 told him that he had better take it to them, but Moreton said that he feared the reception he might meet with, as he had not been a good husband or father. Believing him to have been weak and extravagant rather than profligate, Archibald offered to be the bearer of the money, and to see the wife for him. He did not tell him that he had already seen her. Moreton accepted the proposal gratefully, and his benefactor prepared for his journey. Archibald’s heart had never beat so fast or agreeably before, as when he again started for Myrtle Cottage. As he was not going in search of a wife for himself but for another man, he felt as brave as a lion. He trod the space between Martinsborough and the cottage so rapidly that he overtook and passed all who had started on the road before him. Near the cottage he met Edith, returning from her daily toil. “Oh! Miss Edith!” he said, holding out his hand. She started, but did not snub him by telling him her name was Sum- ner. On the contrary, she said, ‘‘Mr. Lester! I am so glad. Thank you a thousand times. You saved Poppy’s life.” Archibald was so overcome that he had not another word to say, so they walked on in silence, he thinking how pale and sad she looked. Mrs. Moreton and Poppy were at the door, and recognizing him, greeted him with delight. The cottage looked more shabby than ever, but Edith’s flowers still held up their heads. He.went in without being asked, tellmg Mrs. Moreton he wished to speak to her. They sat down as before, he looking at his hat. ‘*T am come again, you see.” “Qh, sir! thank you for Poppy’s doll and the enclosure.” “ Not at all: not atall.” <A pause. ‘‘T am again come—about—a wife.” “ Ah, Mr. Lester! Edith is so hard-hearted. I am afraid it is no use.” “You mistake—it is—about you.” “Me! Pray do not insult me. You know Iam marmed.” ‘‘'Yes; that is why I come.” , He was a bad diplomatist. He wanted to break the news, and he stumbled over his own iron. “Your husband ”——— “My husband! Do you know anything of him? Oh! sir, tell me for Heaven’s sake.” Mrs. Moreton laid her hand on his shoulder in her emotion, and he gained courage. ‘Tt am his ambassador. He is in my employment, and was too penitent to come himself.” Mrs. Moreton fell on her knees and clasped Archibald’s hands. ‘Say it again! Say it again!” she cried. COMIC OOOKS. EO A —_)