The Argosy — page 63: what you’re looking at

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

A Story of the Day. 33 had heard but the previous day from Dr. Spencer rang in his ears : ‘ Any worry or annoyance would be almost certainly fatal; you must keep all such from her.” His Blanche! his fondly-loved wife, whom he had vowed before heaven to love and cherish : could he now, when her need of him was sorest ; when the claim on his love and care which her impending ill- ness alone would have given her—could he leave her to cruel suspense and anguish in the knowledge that he had gone forth to stand at the battle’s front, before the cannon’s mouth ?—and so kill her, as it would do! Was this the way he would keep those vows made to her but one short year ago? But, still—his duty, his honour—which way did it ca him? Captain Douglas pressed his hand to his brow, and wondered whether ever man had been called upon to make so grievous a decision. He had reached home now, and, for the first time since they were married, dreaded to find himself in his wife’s presence. One thing was clear to him; he must not harass her with his doubts. His first words to her must either be light words of com- fort and encouragement in the trial in store for them; or else those of assurance that, come what may, he would not leave her. In the latter case he must never let her see him cast a backward glance of regret, though he himself felt that the sense of gnawing shame and humiliation would never leave him, even though he might have the opportunity at some future time —-— But no, no; he could not even for Blanche’s sake do this thing ! How could he face the half-veiled sneers of his brother officers ? What would his brave Colonel think, he who himself had fought shoulder to shoulder with Gordon in the Crimea? Could he let the shade of dishonour taint his dead father’s name—he, a Douglas; a member of one of the oldest and proudest families of North Britain, who counted descent from him who fell fighting by his King’s side at Flodden ? It was impossible. Yet—his bonnie Blanche; his loving little wife ; who had only him to cling to in all the world; who never failed, how- ever weak and ill she might be, to have a sweet smile and cheerful word for him! Was zs hand to be the one to As his step was heard, entering, the English maid whom Blanche had brought out with her came forward. ‘‘ My mistress wishes to see you directly, sir.” She knew then; the blow had fallen! He turned and went to her at once, his decision still unmade. He found her standing facing the door, with a face white as marble, but somehow more serene and composed than his. All at once she smiled; and the smile was infinitely more touching than tears would have been. Clinging to him she spoke: | “Ronald, I know what you have to tell me.” * Vou know it, Blanche ? ” VOL. XI. D GOMMGIO@ S COL |