The Argosy — page 72: what you’re looking at

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

59 Blam OU LS. EVE. BY TITE AUTHOR OF ‘‘EAST LYNNE.” (Reprinted. ) NE of the pleasantest spots in that part of France 1s the little commune of St. Eloi, so named after its church. It lies in the north, not many miles from Calais. One summer’s day, years ago, two strange ladies were set down by the morning diligence at its only inn, or auberge, over whose door was written, Ici on loge a pied et a cheval. | , The landlady came forward, in a blue petticoat and white bracers ; sabots on her feet and a long broom in her hand. ‘ What did mes- dames please to require ?” “Nous étes viens—tell her Clara—pour avoir trouver some apart- ments,” began the elder lady, in a tumult of confusion. ‘‘Mesdames sont Anglaises ?” interrupted the woman. “Oui,” hastily answered the elder lady ; “‘ that is, Irlandaises—it’s all the same—and nous besoin des appartements. Vous comprends? Why don’t you explain, Clara, standing there as silent as a post?” ‘Dear mamma, if you will allow me a moment to speak.” And the young lady explained, in perfect French, that her mother, being in delicate health, required quiet, pure country air, and pure country milk ; and that a friend had recommended St. Eloi. Could the landlady tell them of apartments ?” 3 “Never was asked for such a thing before,” responded the hostess. But at that moment a very handsome young man, tall and slender, rode up, sprang from his horse, tossed the bridle to the landlady, and spoke. “‘T’ll leave him here for five minutes, dame. Just put him in the stable ashe is: while I go into Duterte’s on an errand for my mother.” ‘‘ Master Francis,” cried the landlady, ‘‘these good English ladies want apartments. Do you believe there is such a thing to be had ?” The young man raised his hat to the ladies. ‘Could he have the honour of being of service to them?” “Tell him, Clara—I can see he isa gentleman—he may be of more use to us than that ill-dressed landlady,” cried Mrs. Fitzgerald. And the young lady, blushing, proceeded to do so. | The young man considered. ‘Truly, I don’t know,” he said. “I fear This spot is so very small and retired, you see, that visitors rarely come to it, consequently no accommodation has ever been pro- vided. Let me see—Madame Coe has a commodious house: what do you think of la mére Coe, dame?” turning to the landlady. COMmiclooc ) SS (SO) am =