The Argosy — page 210: what you’re looking at

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

198 Rupert's Choice. ‘¢ And how did she and mother hit it off?” he asked, as we entered the hall. “Your mother was as kind as it was possible to be,” I said: “you need not be afraid of that.” I hurried upstairs to avoid further questions. A few minutes later I looked out’ of my window and saw Rupert and Miss Herries standing on the lawn outside the dining-room window. His back was towards me, so I could not see what was zs expression ; but Aers provoked me beyond endurance. How could Rupert find any attraction in such looks and manners, even though the eyes were ' handsome? Not long afterwards, the sound of the gong took me down to break- fast. Mrs. Loraine and I met at the door; Rupert and Miss Herries came in at the open window. Mrs. Loraine greeted the young lady kindly, and then turned to Rupert and said something about being glad he had got back so early. ‘IT was sure to come!” he said, as he stooped to kiss his mother. ‘¢ And now, tell me, how have you and Mona been been getting on? I asked Job, but she was not communicative.” Now, to be asked by your son, in the presence of a young lady who is to be your daughter-in-law, how you have got on with her, can ever be pleasant; but when you are conscious of having taken a great dislike to her, it must be singularly disagreeable. Mrs. Loraine looked intensely annoyed, but she tried to smile as she said, “‘I think I must leave that question for Mona herself to answer !” Miss Herries, who was standing by the window looking out, neither turned round nor showed any sign of interest. ‘When she appears, I'll ask her,” replied Rupert, carelessly. ‘I wonder what makes her so late ?” ‘‘My dear Rupert !” remonstrated his mother, nervously, ‘do not talk so wildly.” ‘*T am quite in earnest, mother,” he said. “I think she must either be very tired, or not well, or not know her way, or something—for she is always up early, I know. What on earth are you staring at, Job? I am not at all ashamed of being anxious about her.” ‘IT don’t understand !” began Mrs. Loraine, and she looked at me to help her ; for the strange conversation had brought Miss Herries to the table. ‘Don’t tease your mother, Rupert,” I said, earnestly, ‘* but explain quietly. Is not this young lady Miss Herries ? ” Rupert’s look of amazement and indignation was unmistakable. It said as plainly as words could have done, “* ZAa¢—my Mona?’ Are you all mad?” The next moment the poor girl’s look of bewilderment recalled him to’ a recollection of what was courteous, and he said, ‘“‘T have never had the pleasure of seeing that young lady before, and do not know her name.” ecomniclooolkks _ (CO)