The Argosy — page 319: what you’re looking at

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

Parkwater. | 305 ‘You must help me. A gentleman who was attached to me before I knew you, has returned from abroad, and is, I think, inclined to make me his wife. He used to think me worthy of being so ; he does still. You have cadied me an angel before now: he thinks me one: and, if not rudely undeceived, it will be une affaire finie. I have several press- ing liabilities upon me: rent, bills, and something else that you know of. I am to be turned out of these rooms, which I occupy, in a week, because I cannot pay. If this is not prevented, and if the debts come to his knowledge, it will set him thinking, and most probably startle him away. Surely you will aid me! It is to your interest to do so. About £470 or £ 80 will suffice, but it must come to me without the delay of an unnecessary hour. If I can only accomplish this, the am- bition of my early life will be gratified, for I shall be raised to a position in society. Mind that you fail me not. “S. M.” With a darkened brow he scowled over the letter, pulling at his black whiskers, an inveterate habit of his, especially when put out. “ She raised to a position in society ! ” he scornfully spoke. “TI shall tell her that it is waste of time to trouble me.” Opening his desk to write a refusal, he put the paper before him and dipped his pen in the ink. But irresolution supervened. “ She’s such a tigress when put out,” said he, politely. ‘‘ There’s no knowing what she may do if I refuse : find me out, down here, and come bothering me, or something! But it is for the last time, he added, dashing off a few lines rapidly. ‘‘ When we squared up our scores, I handed you the balance in a lump, as you desired. If you have chosen to spend it, that is no concern of mine. The prospect you allude to is a lucky one if it can be ac- complished, but it is impossible for me to help you to the extent required. J am as poor for my station as you are for yours: and you know that all I have is my wife’s, not mine. I send you £50; it is the utmost I can do; and is final. | “T. H. D.” Miss Sophia May received this letter and its enclosure. She paid her landlady, to the latter’s extreme surprise, told her that she should remain in her lodgings for the present, paid some other claims, and went on swimmingly. Frederick Lyvett became a constant evening guest: she received him with pleasure, and played off her various fascinations upon him as she had done in the days gone by. Whatever qualms of conscience had at first pricked her, as to encouraging the hopes of this gentleman, were thrust aside for good. He had not out- lived his partiality for music, and was never tired of standing over her VOL, XIX. U GONMGIOO SS