The Argosy — page 225: what you’re looking at

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

The Mystery of Allan Grale.. 167 would rejoice to work for you. She has done so much for poor Lady Hill-Forrest.” “Why, what was the matter with her?” asked Mrs. Grale, almost suspiciously. “Ah, poor dear !—a sad tragedy, But Bessie brought her such beautiful messages. And as for the wonders Bessie worked in the Earl of Dunster’s house—of course, one cannot, relate them without telling things which must not be spoken of outside .a family circle. In a word, dear. Mrs. Grale, I don’t hesitate to say, that Bessie Tempest would be able. to tell you all about your dear son, where- ever he is or whatever has happened.” Mrs. Grale hesitated. ‘I’m afraid Mr. Grale would say it was all nonsense,” said she, beginning, however, to long after these revela- tions. “Need he know it—at first?” murmured Lady Laura. ‘Could you not meet Bessie Tempest at my. house e ” , “Oh, yes—if we might,” said Mary Anne, impulsively. Lady Laura sighed, and shook her head. “If I could manage it!” she breathed. ‘Dear Bessie Tempest makes me a great pet. All the messages she brings me from the spirits begin ‘White Dove.’ I tell her that it is only because the spirits know she likes to spoil me. But Bessie is very particular. She does not like to meet members of any family whose head objects to her ; she says the want of harmony tres her. She perhaps might do it as an act of spiritual charity— yet I doubt if she would. Certainly I cannot promise.” “TI would not have it if she would,” remarked Mrs. Grale, with decision. “I’m not going to enter upon any underhand work.” “How Bessie would like to hear you speak,” said Lady Laura, with enthusiasm. ‘ Dear Mrs. Grale,’ she would say; ‘here is one of those whose intuitions are right.’ ” “YT own I should like to see the young lady,” admitted Mrs. Grale. “Tt seems a nicer and quieter way of finding out things than by the detective police.” Lady Laura gave her head a meditative little shake. ‘The detec- tive police themselves would be only too glad to employ the services of Bessie Tempest. When her gift was first discovered, some detec- tives came to her; but now that she has realised her position, she takes care to keep aloof from any such people.” “Do you think—if I could get Mr. Grale to consent—that she would come here ?” asked Mrs. Grale of Lady Laura. “She is very much taken up with the Dunsters just now,” replied her ladyship. ‘ But you know you may command my influence with her, dear Mrs. Grale.” “I don’t believe papa will raise any obstacle at all,” remarked Mary Anne ; “I can’t imagine why mamma should think he will.” Mary Anne was longing for an interview with Miss Bessie Tempest. If that gifted personage could find out one mystery, she might find out GOGO S (SO)