The Argosy — page 380: what you’re looking at

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

360 Beatrix. “Because it is natural to be contented when with a person that one likes,” replied Beatrix, almost impatiently. ‘And, of course, you like me.” ‘“ Beatrix, Beatrix!” interrupted Lord Stainer, passionately, “are you doing it on purpose?” And he caught her hand in his and held it tightly as he spoke. In a moment the girl was silenced, chilled: all gaiety departed from her. Great a flirt as she was in her own way, her witcheries were harm- less. She was honourable, too, and now stood horrified at the mere idea of this man—the chosen of her friend—being led by her into say- ing what he might ever afterwards repent. ‘What are you saying ?” she said, quietly. ‘‘ Will you not resign me my hand? it will be better, as Felicia,‘if she sees you, will scarcely understand, perhaps, that you are merely in jest. Come back and let us finish our waltz.” So they went back and finished their waltz in silence, and then Miss Falkland went up to where Miss Dorothy was sitting, very resplendent and dignified, in grey satin and lace. To her she said, “ You are tired, Aunt Dorothy; you will come home with me now.” Said Aunt Dorothy: “ My sweetheart, no; I am quite content to sit here for some time longer and watch you dancing. I would not spoil your amusement for the world; and, indeed, I am enjoying myself.” - ‘* How can you tell me such a falsehood, you wicked woman?” Tnixie said, gaily. ‘“‘I command you to come home with meat once, as I really am very tired, and want to go myself.” Whereupon Miss Falkland senior replied, with heartfelt content : “ My dear if you rea//y wish it, of course I am ready.” And they went. As they travelled up the Fenton staircase together, about half an hour later, Miss Dorothy asked, lovingly, “You had a happy evening, my dear one?” And Beatrix said, ‘‘Yes, a charming evening. I do believe the happiest evening in all my life,” and straightway went into her bed-room, and locked her door, and cried bitterly for two long hours. That night was doomed, I think, to be a night of mishaps and half declarations, hopeless as they were unfinished. Even while Curzon was putting Miss Falkland and her niece Beatrix into their carriage another scene was taking place very near them, in what was called the long conservatory, which, had they known it, might have given both Stainer and Beatrix great cause for thought. Miss Rawdon and Captain Dudley, having finished their dance, had wandered in there amongst the flowers, with no ulterior designs beyond gaining a little rest and time before the next dance should claim them. The conservatory-door was thrown wide open, and the cool night-air came streaming in upon them as they stood together and drank in gratefully its sweet, generous draughts. ECoOMmicloooks (CO) in —_)