The Argosy — page 345: what you’re looking at

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

A Secret of the Sea. 331 There is some talk of a general election next autumn, so that we must keep our supporters well in hand.” “ You are quite a tactician,” laughed Eleanor. - “Tn these days, my dear, it doesn’t do to let one’s wits grow rusty- You will derive great amusement at the ball from a study of the toilettes of some of the worthy tradespeople’s wives and daughters who will honour us with their company. The onginality of idea dis- played by some of them is truly astounding. And the waistcoats of the gentlemen are hardly less wonderful.” At this moment a footman brought a letter for her ladyship. “ What a charming surprise, my dear!” she said, as she glanced over it. ‘Invitations for a private concert at Lady Camperdown’s. Most exclusive. That sweet Lady Camperdown! There will be a carpet-dance afterwards. I must write off at once and order our dresses.” ‘‘ But surely, Lady Dudgeon, one of the ten or fifteen dresses that I have already would do for such an occasion.” “‘ My dear Eleanor! Go to Lady Camperdown’s concert in a dress that you have ever worn before! Such a thing is not to be thought of. It would not be doing your duty in that state of life to which it has pleased Providence to call you.” Here her ladyship looked at her watch. ‘' My dear, I expect Captain Dayrell here about twelve, and I should like you to change your dress before he arnves. He told me last evening that he wanted to see me to-day, so I asked him to call early, as I am going shopping immediately after luncheon.” ‘¢ But Captain Dayrell is coming to see you, Lady Dudgeon. There is no Occasion for him to see me.” “He is coming to see me, it Is true ; 3 but I rather suspect it is about a matter that intimately concerns you.” “Indeed! ButI really cannot see in what way Captain Dayrell’s visit can concern me.” ‘‘It may concern you very nearly. I have every reason to believe that Captain Dayrell is coming here this morning to ask my sanction to his making you a formal offer of marriage.” ‘¢To make me an offer of marriage! You must be jesting.” ‘‘Y was never more serious in my life. You could not fail to-see with what attention Captain Dayrell treated you at the ball the other evening. And on the two or three previous occasions when he has met you in society, there has been an empressement in his manner which has led me to suspect that he was only waiting to see a little more of you before making up his mind to ask you to become his wife.” “Only waiting to see a little more of me! I am overwhelmed by Captain Dayrell’s preference.” ‘Don’t try to be sarcastic, Eleanor. Sarcasm in young people is jittle less than odious.” CORnniclooolkks (CO)