The Argosy — page 241: what you’re looking at

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

226 Fenny Morris's Voyage. cherry cordial: some sardines and boxes of figs and dates, followed in their wake. Indeed it seemed that ‘Mr. Dacey had a most liberal private supply of good things. But, in the course of time, so largely were these stores called upon for the public benefit, they came to an end. And with them came an end to Mr. Dacey’s popularity. The next to produce good things from private lockers, was Madame Freep. Mr. Bumble and Mrs. Webb paid more court to her than ever, deserting everybody else: Jenny sewed away at certain mysterious little packages of work she had purchased for Elsie, keeping herself very much alone. Mr. Dacey wandered up and down, looked into the » sea, read, talked to Mr. Bumble, or played chess with the Frenchman. One day as they sat together, Mrs. Webb, after clearing her throat once or twice, began, ‘‘ My dear Jenny, may I ask why you act so morosely towards Mr. Dacey? I daresay you have hurt the young man’s feelings, and he must certainly have some more of that delight- ful candied pineapple. I have a reason for thinking he 4as. If you did not mind asking him, my dear, I am sure he would be quite charmed to oblige you—and—and give us some.” ‘“‘T have been forced to impose so much on Mr. Dacey’s kindness,” Jenny answered, her voice trembling as she strove to be calm, “ that I should be sorry to increase the obligation by any such request. It would be very foolish.” “ Foolish! what do you mean, you young Solomon?” exclaimed Mrs. Webb, talking loud and angrily. ‘“ Positively I consider you the most contrary girl I ever met. Here we are ona desolate voyage, where every little comfort we can get is needed to make it agreeable, and which Mr. Bumble and myself have struggled unceasingly to obtain, and yet you set up and tell me that the first effort that is required of you is foolish,” “ Mr. Bumble should have seen that proper comforts were sent on board for us,” replied Jenny. ‘‘T am ashamed of you, Jenny Morris,” said Mrs. Webb, ae indignant. ‘‘ The poor dear old man has done his best.” Madame Freep approached ; a silver knife in one hand, a pot of guava jelly in the other. ‘Just try this, dear Mrs. Webb,” she said, smilingly. ‘‘It isso good! And I have a bottle of lemon syrup at your service, if you will accept it.” Jenny gathered up her work and moved away. She had not forgotten Mr. Dacey’s caution. By-and-by, Mrs. Webb turned into Jenny’s cabin, with the lemon syrup and a loose morning jacket all mbbons and rucheings, which she had borrowed of Madame Freep as a pattern for one for herself. “JT want you to help me cut it out, Jenny,” said she, “Is it not beautiful’? ” : Eomilecbooks (E(0)