Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

A DASH FOR A THRONE. gr ‘“T felt I must come to bid you welcome, cousin,” she said, in a low, sweet voice that trembled. “ You are welcome—very welcome.” I took the hand and raised it to my lips. “You should not have distressed yourself to come; I should have under- stood,” I answered. | “ T felt that I must see you,” she said, very graciously ; and I, remembering what I had seen in the garden and all that Von Krugen had told me, knew well enough the doubts and fears, anxieties and hopes, that might lie behind the words. I racked my brain for some sentence that would convey some assurance of my wish to serve her; but I could find no words that pleased me, and after a pause that to me was awkward enough, she added: “ You are now my only relative in the world, except my dear aunt here, the Baroness Gratz.” The old lady made a very stately and ceremonious bow, which I returned with such courtesy as * could command. “ A great heritage has come to you, sir, and a trust that must test to the utmost one so young in years,” she said. “ My one life purpose shall be to prove worthy of it,” I answered earnestly ; and I thought the girl’s eyes lightened a little at the words. “We were alarmed, sir, when we heard that you were unwilling to come,” said the baroness. “ Tam here, madam, to remove that alarm.” “The future fortunes of this noble house rest largely in your hands—as well as those of this sweet child. You know that?” she asked in reply. “ T know little as yet, but in all I shall strive earnestly tq win the confidence of you both.” - You will have mine, cousin,” said the girl impulsively and almost eagerly, as it seemed to me. “ And at the earliest moment I wish to tell you all that is in my thoughts and to ask your help.” __ . | “ You will never ask that in vain, believe me,” I returned, raising my eyes to hers, which had all the time been fixed on my face. “I do believe you; I am sure of you,” she cried again impulsively; and I could have blessed her for the words. “ And oh, I am so glad you have come. There is so much to change and set right.” ~ ‘ Minna!” said the aunt in a gently warnin>: tone. “TI am with friends, and I can speak freely. I feel it. I am sure we shall be friends, cousin. Shall we not? And you will be on my side? ” At this Captain von Krugen, who had remained at.the other end of the room, took two or thre ~- steps forward, as if to speak; but the baroness inter- posed, and after a warning glance at him, whispered to the girl: “ We have not come-for this now, child.” “ The captain will be my friend, too, whatever happens, I am confident,” said the girl looking toward him ; “ even if I will not go forward with a scheme that must die——” The word distressed her, and she caught her breath and her lips faltered so that she could not finish the sentence. She sighed deeply and turned to lean on her companion’s arm again. “Vou must not distress yourself, Minna,” said the baroness gently. GOH GoOOO ‘SS | COLNT