The Argosy — page 314: what you’re looking at

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

ay pein e > 1d ee 2 oe i eee eee 300 Parkwater. “No; on my sacred word of honour. I would not act so treacher- ously. It must have been my father’s doings—and James's. I owe them something for this.” ‘Were you. away long?” ‘‘Eighteen months. What with their keeping me there on(I see now) frivolous pretences, and my knocking up; which I did; and a cruise I took in the South Seas, I was longer than I need have been. But won't you tell me all about yourself, Sophia? What did you do after my departure ?”’ “‘T tell you we were turned out of the house without notice.” ‘Upon what grounds ? ” “‘Only that you had visited us.” ‘¢ Shameful of my father! Idon’t know a more arbitrary man than he can be when he chooses, kind as he generally is. Where did you go to?” ‘“‘ My father and mother obtained another situation after a little while, and I went into a nobleman’s family as governess.” ‘“‘ That was pleasant. Did you stay in it ?” ‘‘Not a twelvemonth,” rapidly answered Miss May. ‘“ My health grew delicate—governesses are so overworked, you know—and my friends sent me into the country to recruit my strength. I gave up all thoughts of going out after that; everybody’s health will not stand it. Now I live here and teach privately in the neighbourhood, chiefly music. Some of my pupils I go to: some come to me. I was coming in from giving a music Jesson when you saw me just now.” ‘Do you live here all alone ?” ‘All alone. I have a sitting-room and a bedroom. I never see a soul but my pupils. When the girl said a gentleman was inquiring for me, I thought she must be mistaken. Will you take some tea with me?” “T cannot stop now. We have people to dinner this evening, and. I must get home and dress for it. I will call again to-morrow. I must tell you one thing, Sophia, before I go.” ‘¢ Ves ?” she said, rising. ‘‘ That you are very much altered.” They were standing face to face when he spoke, and he had taken her hand to say adieu. So that it may have been the earnest and close gaze he cast upon her, that caused her to blush crimson. “ Not less beautiful,” he added, as the nch colour hghted her features ; ‘‘do not think I mean that: but, still, greatly changed. There isa look of worry on your countenance.” “How can it be otherwise?” was her answer. “ Living, as I do, apart from all sympathy, possessing no congenial friends, and with an uncertain future before me? I can assure you, Mr. Lyvett, it is rather a hard struggle for an unprotected woman to get along in the world.” “ True, true: that’s worry enough. But brighter days may be in store for you,” he added, with a meaning smile. ‘“ Think so, Sophia.” CORnniclooolkks (CO)