The Argosy — page 82: what you’re looking at

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

72 Aly Cousin Caroline's Wedaine. seldom know what they do like. Alfred will make her as good a hus- band as anybody else would. He has been extravagant lately, but he is looking for some place under government. I suppose he will get straight after a bit; and your sister has plenty.” “What is this whisper that I hear, of a convent being Lina’s alterna- tive if she rejects him ?” ‘Who told you about that? Lina?” ‘What if she did?” : “She need not have brought up the subject now, when the house is occupied with more agreeable matter. She will go as a boarder. Some Protestant girls are there.” ‘Now, Caroline, you cannot suppose that in this enlightened year of grace a young lady of nineteen years is going to be sent to a convent against her will!” ‘‘Well, you need not tease me about it,” was Carry’s answer. “I believe the affair is decided. Mamma is doing it to bring her to reason about Alfred: Lina is so very obstinate. Here they come,” she broke off, as Mrs. Dashingly and Lina appeared. ‘‘ Don’t get bothering now, Ned, about the convent! Keep peace until the wedding is over.” ‘“ And you gone, Caroline? Perhaps I may.” “Dinner, ma’am,” cried the stiff old butler, appearing at the drawing- room door. Aunt’s face and her turban glowed together at these words. I knew the signs well enough—a storm was brewing. ‘ Who told them to serve the dinner? Captain Fitzhenry is not come in.” ‘The captain does not dine here, ma’am. He said he had business at the railway station, and should not be back.” Aunt flounced to the dining-room, and down we sat. At least we should have sat down, but as aunt remained standing, with her eyes fixed on an opposite door, we did the same. ‘Can she be waiting for Fitzhenry ?” I mentally exclaimed ; when the entrance of Father Peter solved the query. He often dined there. T liked the father; he was a pleasant, goodnatured man, rather jolly. He shook hands with me; and chanted a Latin grace. The footmen removed the covers, and down we sat. Sixteen courses of fish; five of eggs, omelets, and the like; a few of butter; seven of sweets and pastry; the richest of wines; coffee and liqueurs. ‘The repast reminded me that it was Friday. ‘‘ Edward,” said my aunt, “I never permit a dish of flesh to ap- pear at my table on these days of abstinence, whoever may be seated at it. Captain Fitzhenry has good-humouredly accommodated himself to my customs ; need I request you to do the same to-day, and hold it as a fast?” Certainly she need not. And when I thought of my usual dinner, a solitary chop and a pint of porter, and compared it with.the rich board ECORNICLOOO SS (CO) —_) Lu