Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 119: what you’re looking at

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

112 THE ARGOSY. “Be calm,” I replied coolly. “I only ask to see her. If I am not per- mitted to see her, then I will not answer for what may happen.” “No, sefior, you cannot go to her—she—it may be I can arrange. Will you wait here?” she asked, trembling with excitement. I hesitated. I did not know what she might not do, but I felt that I could trust her. Besides, there seemed to be no alternative. “ I will wait if you are not too long,” I replied, sitting down, and with an attempt at calmness which but ill concealed the !nward emotion I felt. Accidentally my hand touched the empty sheath where I had carried my knife, and a shudder crept over me. I had escaped one danger, but could I hope to escape the present one? She looked at me curiously. ‘“ You know that the patio is crowded with the guard? ”’ she said, still hesitating. “IT saw them,” I replied. she left me and passed out of the room by a side door, which I knew must open into the room adjoining the one I was in. If I had thus far borne myself with apparent composure it was not because I felt at ease. It was with almost an agony of suspense that I waited for the duenna to return. I knew not whether she had gone to speak to her mis- tress, or to summon the guard. It would have been quite reasonable to pre- sume the latter. | I could distinctly hear voices outside, and some one walked along the gallery past the door. I calculated my chances for escape should I be dis- covered—I even went to the window and examined the iron grating. It would have done service for a jail, so strong was it. I went to the door and listened ; but there was nothing unusual in the sounds I heard. Suddenly I became conscious that I was not alone, and looking around, saw the sefiorita standing just within tie side door, her eyes fixed intently upon me. It did not surprise me that it was the same young lady I had seen on the plaza. I had expected this. “ Pardon me,” I managed to say, “ this is Sefiorita Teresa de Ulloa? ” “The same,” she replied. “ You wish to see me? ” She stood before me a very queen in dignity and beauty. Her dress was white, the skirt long and full, and she wore about her shoulders an embroid- ered scart. Her hair was loose, and fell in soft brown curls upon her shoul- ders. Her feet were clad in satin sandals—one dainty foot showing just beyond her skirt. I could not see her eyes on account of the dim light in the room, but I seemed to feel them. I was all confusion—all unnerved. No sudden danger, not even the- appearance of the guard, could have unmanned me as did the presence of this one fair woman. ‘““My name is Maxwell Harvey,” I stammered. “I have the honor of enjoying the friendship and confidence of your uncle, Philip Melrose.” “A friend of my uncle I would willingly welcome, but ”” She hesi- tated and then stepped forward, extending her hand. I took it and thanked her for the honor she did me. “Do you realize your danger? ” she continued. GOH GoOOO ‘SS COLNT