The Argosy — page 326: what you’re looking at

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

312 Parkwater. “If ever I desert her, may I be——smothered !”’ ejaculated Fred to himself, in an ecstasy of admiration. ‘ I knew it: would prove to be no fault of hers. My father is so prejudiced that he would impute any- thing to her. And James is worse, for he is as exclusive as the day. Pll marry her in private at once; and, if they find it out, they must storm, that’s all.” He sat, lost in thought, letting the cup of tea which Sophia had handed him grow cold on the table. Perhaps Frederick Lyvett's guardian angel was secretly struggling with him against the resolution. Certain it was, that many reasons presented themselves before him why it should not be. But a man in love and a wilful man are alike hard to grapple with ; and Fred Lyvett threw doubts to the winds. ‘* Sophia,” said he, lifting his head at length, “my people at home are regularly set against us: it is of no more use to ask their consent to our union than it would be to ask the Lord Chancellor’s. I see nothing for us but a private marriage. You are wearing yourself out with this lesson-giving ; but, as my wife, you will at least have. leisure and comfort. I don’t yet take anything like the income James has, but I get a good round sum, and I think it is the best thing we can do.” Sophia thought so too. She sighed down her satisfaction, and timidly whispered that she would “ resign her will to his.” He thought she had better give up her teaching instanter, and go down to some quiet place in the country, where there was a rural church. He would come and see her on the Sundays ; and when things were 1n readiness, say in a month orso, they would be married. Sophia said Yes to all. Then they began to discuss arrangements ; and the evening passed rapidly on till the clock struck ten. It was Fred’s signal for leaving, and he wished her good-night. Putting her feet on the fender, she sat plunged in the golden visions that the future was to bring forth. But all in a moment, when they were at their brightest, there came upon her, unbidden, a thought of a different nature. It gave hera fit of shivering, and she shook for a minute or two from head to foot. ‘‘Oh,” she cried to herself, ‘“‘ would it not be better to refuse him even yet, and goon asIam going? Why should I shiver all on a sudden like this? Doesit come to me as a warming? ” On the following morning when Fred Lyvett’s cab waited for him, the groom having some work to restrain the impatient horse, Mrs. Lyvett called her son to her side. “What is it, mother? Iaminahurry. My father is already gone, and I shall get in for it again for being late.” “ Only one little minute,” she said. ‘‘ What is this whisper that I have heard °?” Fred’s cheek flushed. He dearly loved his mother. He sat down CORnniclooolkks (CO)