The Argosy — page 298: what you’re looking at

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

240 Camping Out. ‘What, my boy, tired of holiday-making?” he asked, genially. “‘ No, sir, it’s not that,” said Tom, bracing himself for a disagreeable duty ; “but I’m sorry to tell you I can’t marry your ward, Flora Lennox. Mr. Christopher Candlish seated himself, resumed his table-napkin, commenced the peeling of a juicy pear, and calmly enquired : ‘¢ Are you mad, sir ?” ‘““Very near it,” assented Tom, miserably. ‘You see, Uncle Christopher, it has all happened since you sent me that note—that kind cheque.” ‘What has happened ? ” ‘I love another, sir—love her as my life!” cried Tom, desperately. A look of amused relief crossed Uncle Chnistopher’s dry counten- ance. ‘‘ What, since four days ago? that will soon right itself ! ” “No, sir, never! I would not be such a scoundrel as to wed a girl who trusted me while my heart was another's.” “That’s all very well; but you have not engaged yourself, I sup- pose ?” “Of course not, sir. My promise 1s not my own till you release me,” said Tom, proudly. «Say no more to-night,” said Uncle Christopher ; “ take a glass of wine, go home, and come here at one o'clock tu-morrow. I must, of course, consult Miss Lennox.” At one next day, Tom was ushered into the drawing-room of the dull London house. <A young lady rose as he entered. Shy and blushing charms met his astonished eyes—charms he thought were blooming miles away on the banks of the Thames. He stepped forward impetuously. “You are 7 “ Flora Lennox,” said the soft voice, regaining its merry archness. “ My aunt hoped you would breakfast with her the next time you camped out on her ground—but your uncle sent for me to—to give you back your promise.” But he never took it—and the name on his boat was not painted out, for very soon a sweet wife, named Flora, steered his boat and guided his heart on the mysterious ever-changing river of life. MINNIE DOUGLAS. CONNEC MOOOKS.CO @ im