The Argosy — page 77: what you’re looking at

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

Richard Van Werter. 67 “Ysit his?” The pale face looked up at him searchingly. “It is Roy Gilbert’s. The woman who sent it back to him died this morning at the hospital. A beauty she must have been once, but her pretty face was her curse. Ye gave her the locket.” “Oh, Richard ! ” ‘Don’t take it to heart, Gerty. It’s only the old story! Roy Gilbert has been no worse than many another. Were you simple enough to think him perfect? ” ** Yes,” she answered, still speaking slowly, but very firmly, ‘‘ I was.” Richard Van Werter looked after her as she walked away, a half repentant expression on his dark face. ‘It was right to tell her; a- duty laid upon me,” he muttered : ‘‘and yet I wish she had not taken it so calmly, and gone away with that queer look on her face.” That night Roy Gilbert found the locket in his room, and a note directed in Gertrude’s handwriting, which he quickly opened, wondering what it could be about. | “May God forgive you, Roy Gilbert, as I do! You have taken from me all hope in life. Why did you so deceive me? At least we will meet no more. G. V. W.” Presently there arose a sudden alarm in the house. Hurrying feet were heard, frightened voices. Gertrude Van Werter had disappeared. She had gone to her room early, pleading headache as an excuse, but Grace, going by her door, had looked in, and found it empty. There had been a heavy shower during the evening, and the rain, drifted in by the gale, had flooded the floor. Evidently Gertrude had been a long time absent—she must have gone before the storm. In the terrible fright, an explanation ensued between Richard and Mr. Gilbert. The latter had been misled: the man who had given the locket to the dead woman at the hospital was Raymond Gilbert the brother, not Roy. To the pond they flew: and searched and called: at first all in vain. The clouds cleared away, the moon shone out bright and clear ;, and ‘then they saw the boat under the rushes ; and Gertrude’s lifeless form in it. Her face was pale and cold, her long fair hair was floating around it, and a bunch of lilies was in her hand. “Take care, Gilbert,” cried Richard, too ready to give her to his rival in his deep repentance. “She has but fainted.” , | He was right. She had only fainted. Tenderly they got her out to bear her homewards, and the movement revived her. ‘‘Where am I?” she murmured. “ Roy ?—Richard ?—is it you ?— together ?” “Yes, my darling, and you will soon hear all,” whispered Roy. * Richard is good and generous, after all. He gives youtome. 4// is right. Lie your head here, and set your doubts at rest.” ECOMicoOOKS.CoOm