Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 223: what you’re looking at

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

“I have no doubt he will try,” replied Cottrell, cheerfully. “ But he will find it a pretty hard task, for the shadow of the jail hangs over him as a result of tonight’s work.” He thought it was just as well not to mention to the countess the arrange- ments for a duel. It would only increase her anxiety. “ Oh, monsieur, I wish I had never drawn you into this miserable affair. It were better if I had fought it out alone, or ended my unhappy life, rather than have endangered the life of a generous stranger.” The girl seemed suddenly to have been seized with remorse for her con- duct in inducing Cottrell to lend her his aid, as well as with dark forebodings for the future. Her nerves had been unstrung by the suspense of waiting for his return and by the shock she had sustained when he finally appeared, torn and bloody. And she now beseeched him wildly to leave her to her fate and escape from the count’s clutches while there was yet time. He did his best to soothe her. He told her that though she ordered him away, he would not go, but.would stand guard over her as long as he lived. whe smiled hysterically through her tears at this extravagant protestation. ‘““*Tis no longer the Countess Marie de Villiers who is master here, but Monsieur Cottrell, I perceive. Well, be it so. I am only a woman, and if you won't go, I can’t make you.”” And then she suddenly smiled brightly at him. “ Of course, I knew you wouldn't leave me. It would have broken my heart if you had.” | ‘“ My dear countess,” said he, looking steadfastly up at her, “ my life has not been a very happy one. But since I have been in your service I have been more than happy. I ask for nothing better in life than to serve you.” The countess had been standing near the head of the lounge bathing Cot- trell’s hot temples with some cooling lotion. She now placed two soit fingers on his lips. “Hush!” she said quickly, ‘“ you must not talk like that.” Henry looked quickly up in her face. “ You are not angry with me, my countess?” he asked anxiously. “ Angry with you! How could I be?” exclaimed Marie, looking down at him with great eloquent eyes. The next instant she was gone. } . Fora long time Cottrell lay upon the lounge, reflecting on all that had taken place. The intoxication of the girl’s presence seemed still to hang about him ; he seemed to feel the touch of her fingers, and even as tt thrilled him with a new and delightful sensation, he bitterly reproached himself. “You’re a villain, Henry Cottrell!’ he said, “and what is even worse, you are a fool! How dare you act in the romantic, sentimental way you have towards that young girl! You have played upon her sympathies so that she has done that which she is now sorry for!” No man of less fine sensibilities would have thus reproached himself for his course of conduct. But Cottrell, with an instinct almost feminine in its keenness, realized that the young countess, hungering for human sympathy and love, had responded to his chivalrous attention and loyal devotion with the pathetic gratitude of a lonely child. COLT A) AOO UN ceo