The Argosy — page 353: what you’re looking at

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

A Secret of the Sea. 339 without wealth or position, or both, 80 would it have been utterly in- conceivable to her that her darling Miss Lloyd could ever sink toa level which would render possible any act of social degradation. CHAPTER XV. A QUIET CUP OF TEA. Tickets for the opera reached Miriam Byrne, in due course, on the morning of the Friday following Gerald Warburton’s first visit to the house of Max Van Duren in Spur Alley. Saturday was Miriam’s birthday. Beyond an extra kiss from Mr. Byme, and the expression of good wishes usual on such an occasion, the day brought little or no difference to either father or daughter. The weather was unpleasant, and neither of them stirred out. of doors. But when tea time came the best china was brought out of its retirement, and from some mysterious cupboard was produced a Madeira cake with a little jar of honey and some potted shrimps. ‘* Now, papa dear, draw up to the table,” cried Miriam, gaily, as soon as everything had been arranged in order due. “T’ve put an extra spoonful of green into the pot in order to please you, and if you behave yourself nicely, you shall have an extra lump of sugar in your cup, for you are as fond of sweet things as any school- . 1.” ‘“That’s why I’m so fond of you, dear,” said Mr. Byrne, drily, as he drew his chair up to the table. Just then came a knock at the door. Miriam opened it, and there stood Mr.. Van Duren, with a pretty little rustic basket in his hands, full of freshly-cut flowers. ‘‘Good evening, Miss Byrne,” he said, in a hesitating sort of way. **T happened to hear Mrs. Bakewell remark this morning, that to-day was your birthday. Such being the case, I have taken the liberty of bringing you these few flowers, of which I beg your acceptance, together with my very best wishes for your health and happiness.” “Tt is very kind of you, Mr. Van Duren—very kind indeed,” replied Miriam. ‘‘ Many thanks for your flowers and good wishes. But pray come inside.” He came a few steps into the room, and then Miriam took the basket and smelled at the flowers. ‘‘ They are indeed lovely,” she said. ‘ Yours is the only present that I have had to-day, and nothing else that you could have offered me would have been half so acceptable.” The moment he heard the knock, Peter Byrne collapsed, as it were, and became older by a score years in as many seconds. Deaf and senile, he now tottered across the room, his walking-stick in one hand, the other hand held to his ear. CORnniclooolkks (CO)