Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 275: what you’re looking at

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

268 THE ARGOSY. No words of mine can describe the radiant look that came to her face as she cried thus; and the smile she gave me lives in my memory as one of the loveliest sights my eyes have ever beheld. After this burst of emotion we sat silent some minutes: she in all innocence of relief keeping my hand between her own two; and I on my side drinking in until I was intoxicated With the sweetness of emotions such as had never stirred my heart before. I made the first movement—a slight attempt to withdraw my hand. She let go, and then, with another smile of frank pleasure and trust she said: “ Not only my cousin, but my friend.” “ There is yet much to do,” I said gently. “ But we shall do it together. I am no longer alone with all against me— even my dear father. Tell me what is first to be done? I know that you will be successful, for you have given me hope. Will you tell the Count von . Nauheim that the marriage project is at an end; or shall I? I will if you wish, though I have been afraid of him. But no longer, for you are on my side.” Sweet as these renewed protestations of trust were to my ears and senses, they were not without embarrassment. ‘ If you trust me, you will have to do so wholly,” I said. ‘‘ And you must do as I wish, even if it is altogether distasteful to you.” “I will do whatever you tell me,” she assented readily. “Then in the first place, we mlust act as if this conversation had altered nothing.”’ ‘“ Do you mean——?” she began with a frown of repugnance, and then stopped. “I mean that for the present your relations with the count must remain as they have been. Do not ask all my reasons. But for the present it is necessary that no one, you understand, no one shall have any thought that we are not going on with your father’s scheme.” I told her then of Von Nauheim’s visit to Braunstadt and its result; and that before we settled anything we must know more. “I should be deceiving you,” I added, “if I did not tell you that grave risks have yet to be run in this matter, and the danger to some of us may prove greater than we can avert. I cannot tell you all my thoughts; but I am going to Braunstadt.” “ Ah no, not there, cousin. That is where Gustav was killed.” “ They will not kill me,” I answered, smiling to reassure her. “ It is es- sential for me to go that I may probe certain matters to the bottom. Then I shall know better what to do for the best.” “You will never come back. ‘They will not let you,” she wailed, wringing her hands. “ We are not children to foster silly fears,” I said. ‘ Of course, there are risks in going, but there is certain failure if I do not go. And I go, fore- . warned by your brother’s fate to caution me to be wary; and with the knowl- edge that you depend upon me to rouse my wits. Donot fear. I shall return and bring with me a plan of action. But if by any chance I should not, you will know there is danger for you. GOH GoOOO (GO) ie