The Argosy — page 354: what you’re looking at

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

334 The Master of Greylands. she had said to herself that after she had found her husband, they might perhaps go together to seek her uncle: but that was all. ‘¢' Yes, the little one is too young: and delicate to travel,” pursued Madame Guise, “and J dare not take her on. This illness of hers has frightened me, and I shall, if possible, remain here by the sea. Should you admit me into your house, sir, I will do my best to help on the studies of your daughter.” “ But—will you reconcile yourself to fill a situation of this kind in a stranger's house, after having ruled in a home of your own ?” ques- tioned Mr. Castlemaine considerately, as he remembered his wife’s domineering and difficult temper. ‘“‘ Ah, sir, the beggars, you know, must not be the choosers. I must do something to keep me, and I would like to do this.” ‘‘ The salary Mrs. Castlemaine offers is fifty guineas.” “It seems a large sum to me, sir,” was the truthful and candid answer. ‘“‘ Appointments in France, a very few excepted, are not so highly paid as in England. Ishould of course be permitted to go out and see my child?” ‘‘Dear me, yes; whenever you pleased, madam. You would be quite at liberty here—be as one of ourselves entirely. Mrs. Castlemaine but here she is; returning home.” The Master of Greylands had heard the carriage drawing up. He quitted the room, and said a few hasty words to his wife of what had occurred. Mrs. Castlemaine, much taken with the project, came in in her black satin pelisse, coated with crape. She put a few questions as to the applicant’s acquirements. “Tam a bnilliant pianist, madam, as I know you sometimes phrase it in your country,” said Madame Guise. ‘‘ My French is of course pure ; and I could teach dancing. Not drawing: I do not understand it.” ‘‘ Drawing is quite a minor consideration,” replied Mrs. Castlemaine. “Could you undertake the English ?” ‘‘Why not, madam? I am as well read in English as in French. And I am clever at embroidery, and other kinds of fine and fancy needlework.” “ Do you fully understand that you would have to undertake Miss Reene’s music also? She is my step-daughter.” ‘‘Tt would be a pleasure to me, madam. I am fond of music.” Mr. Castlemaine came into the room again. ‘ What part of France have you lived in?” he asked. ‘“ Did I ynderstand you to say in Paris?” Another necessary lie, or next door to one, for Charlotte Guise! Were she to say, ‘‘ My native province is that of the Dauphiné and I have lived near Gap; it might open their eyes to suspicion at once. She swallowed down a cough that rose, and partly choked herself. “Not quite in Paris, sir. A little beyond it.” ECoOMmicloooks (CO) —_—_) mee