Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 120: what you’re looking at

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

IN PERILOUS WAYS. 113 “TI do,” I replied, “ but I do not fear danger.”’ “It might be better if you did, for then you would never have come here, for you come at the peril of your life.” “ My being here tonight is an accident,” I explained. “ Let us consider it a fortunate one. I have something to say to you, and where else could I have found opportunity for saying it?” “ T do not know,” she replied, with a deep drawn sigh, “ but you will have to speak briefly, for your time must be cut very short.” I started, but her smile reassured me. She would never be guilty of treachery. “IT come as the representative of your uncle,” I continued. ‘“ You are, I believe, his nearest relative.” “Even so, Mr. Harvey. But he is not in the city, is he?” she asked, showing a sudden alarm. “ He is in the city, but, as he believes, his presence is unknown save to myself,” I replied. “ Oh, why did he come? He will be discovered! He cannot long conceal his identity! ”’ “Do not fear for his safety,” I said, somewhat moved by her distress. “It is your own welfare and happiness that is of first importance. He will look out for himself.” | She had clasped her hands together, and what may have been her thoughts, I could not know, only that she was deeply agitated. “He should not have come,” she cried. “It is attempting too much for me.” “ He did not come,” I replied. ‘“ He sent me, and wished me to assure you that he will leave nothing undone which may assist in securing your release. [I am at your service. Your uncle wished me to bring you to him. Will you come with me?” she started, and seemed to shrink away from me. I felt very much as a Tejected suitor would have felt, having offered his heart and hand and had them refused. At least, I suppose I did. I had never had that experience, but could imagine what it was like. My knees were unsteady, and my heart beat with truly alarming force and rapidity. It seemed to take away my breath. “How can I go with you?” she asked, in a most matter of fact kind of way which somewhat brought me to myself again. “Ts it possible for you to leave the house unseen—in disguise, if need be? ” She smiled faintly. “No, not even possible,” she said, and looked significantly at the grated windows. Then she turned to me, with something like a gleam of hope in her eyes. “ But you will save me—anything rather than a convent.” “T pledge my life that I will save you,” I cried. “ Hist, do not speak so loud,” she cautioned me. “ Oh, you do not know what you are saying, and I should not have asked it of you,” she moaned. “It is impossible, for I am too closely guarded. It was by the rarest chance that you gained admission here. At no other time’could you have done so 8 GOH GoOOO ‘SS COLNT