Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 213: what you’re looking at

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

206 THE ARGOSY. his head after him. ‘ You'll soon have your wings clipped, my fine young bird! ” he murmured to himself. The countess was standing before her cousin, her head thrown haughtily back. Her cheeks were fairly aflame with some repressed indignation, and one little foot was tapping violently on the path. As for the count, his attitude was one of supreme insolence. He was in riding costume, and his hands held behind him carried a thick crop. As Cottrell qutietly approached he heard a strangely familiar voice say in a threatening tone: “ So you chose to engage him without consulting either your guardian or myself? I give you fair warning we shall find some means to get rid of him!” The count turned at the sound of approaching footsteps, revealing to the secretary the face and figure of René, the tall lieutenant! It would be difficult to say which of the two men was the more astonished at the meeting. Cottrell, however, kept his countenance, while the French- man grew almost black in the face. His right hand gripped tightly the riding crop, and Henry braced himself for the attack that seemed inevitable. The poor countess gazed from one to the other in abject terror. Suddenly the count threw his crop on the ground and burst out laughing. It wasn't a pleasant sound. It had in it a tone of malignant triumph that grated sorely on the ears of the two. “A most curious coincidence, ma belle cousine!’’ he exclaimed. “I took your secretary for a fellow who assaulted me in the railway carriage yesterday ; see ”"—and he raised his hat, revealing an ugly wound across his forehead. “Though the resemblance is startling, I now see that this gentleman is not the man!” And he bowed low to the astonished Cottrell, but his eyes told only too plainly the fierce hatred of the man. Why did he deny that the American was the man who had knocked him down? Why did he not denounce him at once and call on the servants to seize him and send for the police? | Cottrell was soon to know. “Ma chere cousine,”’ went on the count, showing his teeth in what was meant to be a gracious smile, “ J should very much like a few words in private with your secretary.” The countess hesitated. ‘“ It would be best, I think,” said Cottrell gravely, and Countess Marie retired toward the chateau. “ Now! ” began the lieutenant in an airy manner, “ it is just as well that we should come to an understanding at once! I know why my cousin has en- gaged you. I have read her advertisement in the London 7imes. Ah, be sure I know everything that is going on here—and of course I know why you have accepted. You are, of course, a bit hard up, eh? Ah! I thought so. In such a position as you now hold there is lots to be made; lots of opportunity for filling one’s purse. The countess is young, beautiful, and lonely; also very impressionable. You are big and dashing and good looking, and you probably say to yourself that there is a possibility—yes, even a good chance— .of one day becoming lord and master here. It is a glorious prospect, is it not?” And Rignault grinned sneeringly at the American. GONG OOO UN ceo