The Argosy — page 248: what you’re looking at

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

Fenny Morris s Voyage. 233 Elsie, Elsie,” was all that young lady could say, and straightway she fainted, as an appropriate ending to her voyage. “Oh Jenny, love,” cried her sister, ‘‘ don’t faint now! We have so much to tell you; andhere is Mr. Dacey, who is Edward’s best friend ; and I want to introduce him to you.” Well, that really seemed a consideration of some weight with Jenny, for she immediately opened her eyes and sat up, leaning her head on her sister’s shoulder. They were in the cabin, and Mrs. Webb was of the party ; labouring assiduously to show her tender zeal, and to see what was going on. ‘Your sister has seen me before,” said Mr. Dacey. ‘ There is no need of ceremony between us. In fact—she is my wife. Owing to the kind offices of Mrs. Webb and Mr. Bumble, to both of whom I shall always be the most grateful man alive, I found it necessary to interfere for Miss Morris’s protection on board, and—the Reverend Mr. Blair married us in the presence of the captain.” ‘William Webb,” screamed the lady alluded to, as a mild-looking man came glowering in and went peering round for someone. “ Wil- liam Webb, what have I not borne for your sake ?” and sank upon his breast. Mrs. West stood transfixed, as did her husband. Jenny, pale and abashed, allowed her proud young husband to link her arm within his. - “Married!” cried Mrs. West, when she found breath to speak. ‘Married on board this dreadful little ship! Oh! Jenny, what did you wear and who were your bridesmaids?” ‘But how did you get ere?” gasped Jenny to her husband. “In the Liza Jones. We made the Golden Gate last night.” “Come home,” exclaimed Mr. West. ‘That’s the only practical idea now. Come home, and let us try to think it out.” ) Down they got into the boat, and home they went in the carriage waiting for them. As they were alighting from it a remembrance struck Jenny. | ‘What on earth did I come to California for? And where’s your illness gone, Elsie ? ” Elsie laughed. “Why you see, Jenny, that imploring letter of mine _ was written ever so many months ago. And—here’s the baby. Is he not a beauty ?”’ “Oh dear, oh dear!” cried Jenny, bewildered. ‘I need never have come, after all. Or done what I did do in coming.” “Don’t apologise, Jenny,” laughed Mr. Dacey. “Human nature at sea is not human nature on shore.” CoOnniiclooolks (CO)