The Argosy — page 239: what you’re looking at

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

224 Fenny Morris's Voyage. The object of Mrs. Webb’s censure, meanwhile, approached that lady in a polite-manner, in which suavity and quiet self-assurance mingled. ‘You are looking brighter and brighter every hour, Mrs. Webb- Oh, this sea air is invigorating ! And you, Mr. bumble, I have not seen you before this morning. How are you?” “Quite well,” replied that amiable old man. ‘“‘ And so hungry! It’s a great shame that there are no apples on board. I have been asking and find there are none. Of all things, I should like a nice apple or two.” ‘‘ Why, really this seems fortunate,” said Mr. Dacey. ‘ There are no apples, I believe, on board, but a friend packed a barrel for me, which he assured me would keep well. I shall be most happy to supply you.” “I’m sure you are very good, sir,’ said old Bumble, rubbing his hands, for he was a gourmand. Mrs. Webb was another. Her mouth began to water, and she said she could manage to eat an apple if it were baked. Amidst other omissions, Mr. Bumble had not put any private stores of delicacies on board for himself or for the two ladies. Mr. Dacey caused some apples to be baked : and out of these refresh- ing cooked apples, a little breeze sprung up between Mrs. Webb and Jenny. Mrs. Webb was in her cabin, with an apple in a saucer, sprink- ling some sugar on it before eating, when Jenny chanced to look in. ‘‘ What fine large apples!” she exclaimed. ‘I hope they will have some for dinner.” ‘‘ No,” said Mrs. Webb ; “‘ these were brought by Mr. Dacey. There are none on the ship, but his.” ‘What, did Mr. Dacey presume to offer you baked apples?” cried Jenny, pretending to look aghast. ‘“‘ But how came you to encourage his impertinence by receiving them ?” ‘Don’t be nonsensical, Jenny,” said Mrs. Webb, severely. “I am not a married woman of three or four years standing to be tauight my duty by a girl like you. Thank heaven I can distinguish between sensible actions and silly attentions; and others might profit, if they wish to learn discretion from my example.” “Mrs. Webb, what do you mean? I have seen Mr. Dacey hold your head and bathe it with ice-water, and do everything in a man’s power to be of use to you; and if those are silly attentions, and baked apples serious favours, it is beyond me to understand it.” ‘Jenny Morris, if you are going to be impertinent, I shall wash my hands of you. Beso good as leave me to myself, and shut my cabin- door.” | Jenny retired: and taking some sewing, went out and found a seat on deck, hoping the fresh sea-breeze would clear her mind and blow the clouds away. At a little distance from her sat the large, overdressed lady, with the two Frenchwomen at her side. They were paying Eomicbooks.co - 2 iin