The Argosy — page 269: what you’re looking at

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

250 Court Netherleigh. Amidst other ladies who came in was Selina’s old neighbour in the country, Mrs. Cleveland, the rector’s wife. Selina was surprised. ‘‘T am only up fora day or two, my dear,” she said. ‘‘I shall call in Berkeley Street before I go back.” ‘* And how is mamma ?” asked Selina. ‘She is pretty well, my dear, and Alice too. Mary Lynn is stay- ing with them.” | “Oh, 1s she? You never told me that,” added at eo turning to Lady Adela. Lady Adela’s mouth took rather a scornful curve. ‘‘ Do you sup- pose Miss Lynn’s movements concern me, that I should hear of them ? When did you see Aunt Margery last, Mrs. Cleveland ? ” “At church on Sunday.” | “How beautiful!” exclaimed Selina, as they were slowly walking round the room to look at the stock of displayed wares: some on stands ranged against the walls, some on a large centre table. ‘The ladies moved from one sight to another with enraptured gaze. “What is beautiful?” asked Mrs. Cleveland. ‘‘ That mantle ?” “Which mantle? That old dowdy black sik thing! I meant these sleeves. See, there’s a collar to match.” “Yes, ma’am,” interrupted one of the assistants, “‘we never had anything more beautiful in the house.” ‘What are they?” inquired Selina. The young woman, attired in black silk only a degree less rich than madame’s and a gold chain, her hair arranged in se newest fashion, carried the sleeves to her mistress. ~ 3; What am I to ask ?” she said, in a low tone. ‘Twelve guineas.” “Tt is for Mrs. Dalrymple.” ‘Oh—I thought it was Madame Cliv-land. Fifteen guineas.” “They are fifteen guineas, madam,” said the young person, return- ing. ‘And dirt cheap.” ‘Tt inquired what description of lace it was,” said Mrs. Dalrymple. Not the price.” “Tt is Venice point, madam. Real Venice point.” “T think I must have them,” cried Mrs. Dalrymple. ‘“ Are they not tempting ?” ‘Not to me,” laughed Mrs. Cleveland, “I have too many little pairs of live arms to provide for, to give that price for a pair of sleeves.” “Only fifteen guineas,” remonstrated Selina. ‘‘ And that includes the collar. I will take these sleeves,” she added to the young woman. | “Thank you, madam.” “Those are pretty, that muslin pair.” “Very pretty, madam, for morning. Will you allow me to put these up with the others ? ” EORMIELNOOKS (CO) im