Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 398: what you’re looking at

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

THE CAPTAIN OF THE BURGHER GUARDS. 391 series of gigantic dikes from the inroads of the mighty sea, it was sur- rounded by a great battlemented wall, bristling with cannon and other engines of defense. Through the heart of the city flowed the ancient Rhine, multiplied into innumerable canals, and these watery streets were shaded by hime trees, pop- lars and willows, and crossed by one hundred and fifty bridges of hammered stone. In the center of the city, crowning the summit of an artificial mound, rose an immense round tower of unknown antiquity. From this commanding height, during the long and terrible siege we are describing, many an eye was strained anxiously upon the horizon beyond the city wall, watching for the promised succor. While John Van der Does, the commandant, was attending the conference in the town hall that morning, his daughter, Jacqueline, had mounted to the tower’s platform to escape from the scenes of misery in the town below, and to console her aching heart with music. . The sweet tones of her voice, accompanied and sustained by harmonious twangs and delicate flourishes struck by her rapid fingers from a psaltery which she played, hovered round the quaint, old structure like a flock of wild song birds. Those passing in the street beneath heard the music, and raised their eyes in wonder to the sky, not knowing whence the sounds proceeded. “« Jacqueline! ” The girl stopped in the middle of an interlude and glanced over her shoulder. “ Why, Maurice Van Texel! How came you here? ”’ ‘In no miraculous manner, sweet lady, you may be sure; but by the steep ladders of the keep.” “Ah, you saw me come here, and so followed me,” she said in tones of reproach. He bowed his head in assent. “ And was it the act of an honorable cavalier?” she added gently. ‘“ Was it right of you to seek me here alone? ” “ But how else could I see you, Jacqueline?” he asked. “ Have you for- gotten that your father has forbidden me his house? ” “No, I have not forgotten,” she answered; “but you should certainly respect me more than to seek a clandestine meeting.” A moment afterwards she added impulsively, “ Oh, Maurice, Maurice, why will you not leave me to my duty?” “ Because I lové you,” was the impassioned reply. Jacqueline turned her face away from him to hide her emotion, and looked wistfully at the sky. “Won't you please leave me?” she asked pleadingly. “ Not until you grant me at least one gleam of hope,” he cried. “I cer- tainly have a right to know your mind.” ‘Yes, the past gives you that right,” she said musingly. ‘“ We have been such good friends that it would be wrong to deceive you now.” Then, turning CORUNCEOOOK CO