The Argosy — page 375: what you’re looking at

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

The Syllabub Feast. 361 Some good-looking fellow with auburn hair, a beard that glimmered like soft silk in the sun, and a bronzed face. To judge by his move- ments, he was taken by surprise at sight of the gay company: and stood in evident hesitation, looking about him. “Oh, Johnny !” The low, half-ternfied exclamation came from Edna. Her eyes were strained on the stranger; her face had turned white as death. He saw us and came towards us. We were the nearest to him. “Do you know me, Edna ?”’ I knew him then: knew his voice. Ay, and himself also, now that I saw him distinctly. Edna did not faint ; though she was white enough for it: she only put her hands together as one does in prayer, a joyous thankfulness dawning in her eyes. ** Frederick ? ” ‘Yes, my darling. How strange that you should be the first to greet me! And you, Johnny, old fellow! You ave grown.” His two hands lay for a time in mine and Edna’s. Nobody had observed him yet: we were at the end of the lawn, well under the trees. ** More syllabub, Edna!” shrieked out that greedy young Charley. - © And me want more too,” added little Miles, “me not had enough.” Edna drew her hand away to go to the table, a happy light shining through her tears. Fred put his arm within mine ; and we went across the grass together. The first to see him was Mr. Brandon. He took in the situation at once, and in a degree prepared Mr. Westerbrook. ‘‘ Here’s some bronzed young man coming up, Westerbrook,” said he. ‘“ Looks like a traveller. I should not be surprised if it is your nephew : or perhaps one who brings news of him.” Old Westerbrook fell back in his chair, as Fred stood there with his two hands stretched out to him. Then he sprang up, burst into tears, and clasped Fred in his arms. Of all commotions!—Mr. Brandon put his yellow silk handkerchief on his head, and walked away out of it into the sun. The Squire stared as if he had never seen a bronzed man before ; Tod came leaping up, and the best part of the company after him. “Edna, Edna!” called out Mr. Westerbrook, sitting back in his chair again, and holding Fred tightly. ‘‘ Edna, I want you imstantly.” She advanced modestly, blushing lihes and roses, her hat held in her hand by its faded strings. Mr. Westerbrook looked at her through his tears. ‘‘ Here he 1s, my dear— do you see P—come back to us at last. We must both welcome him. The homestead is yours from this day, Fred; I will have but just a corner in it. I am too old now fora busy life: you must be the acting master. And Edna, my child, you will come here to be his helpmeet in it, and to take care of me in my declining years—my dear little daughter. Thank God for all things !” CORnniclooolkks