The Argosy — page 317: what you’re looking at

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

300 Between Two Stools. him in the eyes of her whom he already looked upon as the future Mrs. de Mogyns. What the widow’s private opinion as to the likelihood of that event may have been we can only conjecture, for she prudently kept it to herself; but it is certain that the Major, with or without reason, chose to consider himself a favoured suitor, and was in the best of spirits accordingly. He was still complacently occupied in “making running,” when a ring at the hall door heralded the approach of the two remaining guests; a few minutes later the party descended to the dining-room, the Honourable Adolphus naturally pairing off with Mrs. Mangoe, and de Mogyns offering his arm with an air of sublime protection to Alice, while Frank Lascelles, inwardly chafing, followed part- nerless in the rear. Thanks, however, to the friendly sociability of a round table, he found himself seated beside the object of his affections, and was consequently in the seventh heaven; but although she blushed very much when spoken to, she nevertheless studiously avoided responding otherwise than by monosyllables to his attempts at conversation. Sharpset was in high force, and discoursed in- cessantly on current and fashionable topics, to the infinite disgust of the Major, who, unable to get in more than a word here and there, and disdaining to waste his eloquence on so unremunerative an auditor as Miss Carruthers, fidgeted sulkily in his chair, and drank more champagne than was good for him. When the ladies had retired, and the claret had made its circuit, he thawed a little, and condescended to ask what were the latest odds on the coming handicap. ‘Five to one on the field,” replied the Honourable Adolphus, ‘Fifteen against Brother to Merrylegs.” “Ah!” said de Mogyns drily. ‘‘ You’ve backed him, I hear ?” ** Rather !” The Major filled his glass, and looked oracular. ‘‘Oh,” said he again, “‘he won’t win. MHalford’s mare can give him six pounds, and beat him in a walk.” What, Dulcibella! Not if he knows it,” retorted Sharpset. ‘¢ She was a length and a half behind him in the Chester Cup.” A long discussion ensued respecting the comparative merits and _ performances of the animal in question, during which Frank, who had metal more attractive upstairs, slipped quietly out of the room, leaving the two worthies téte-a-téte. When they at length made their appearance, both the widow and Lascelles seemed preoccupied, and indisposed to talk ; while Alice, bending over her embroidery frame, played propriety in a corner. Contrary, therefore, to the usual habits of the house, the party broke up early, and the trio strolled together as far as the Caravansary, where the Major, who was longing for his rubber, at once adjourned to the card room. ‘What on earth has come to you to-night, Frank?” inquired the Honourable Adolphus, when he and his friend were alone. ‘‘ You —— — a CONNICLOOOL<Sy5(E0)