The Argosy — page 271: what you’re looking at

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

252 Court Netherleigh. “Look at this handkerchief,” interposed Selina, thinking what a dreadful fate Mrs. Cleveland’s must be. ‘“‘I really think it matches the sleeves and collar I have bought. Yes, it does. I must have that.” “'That’s a dear handkerchief, I know,” cried Mrs. Cleveland. ‘What is it, Madame Damereau ? ” ‘“That—oh, but that’s recherché, that is,” said madame, in a rap- ture. ‘‘Nine guineas. Ah!” “Send it home with the other things,” said Selina. “Tam going,” said Mrs. Cleveland. ‘I have bought all I came to buy, and it 1s of no use staying here to be tempted, unless one has a long purse.” “The truth is, one forgets whether the purse is long or short in the midst of these enchanting things,” observed Selina. ‘““T fear it 1s sometimes the case,” was Mrs. Cleveland’s reply. “Are you coming, my dear?” “Not yet,” answered Selina. Lady Adela went out with Mrs. Cleveland. She had not given a single order; had not gone with any particular intention of giving one, unless she saw anything to especially take her fancy. But Madame Damereau’s was regarded as a favourite lounging place, and the gay world of the gentler sex liked to congregate there. ‘““Can I drive you anywhere ?” asked Adela of Mrs. Cleveland, as they stood on the steps of Madame Damereau’s handsome entrance door. ‘‘ Will you come home with me? ” “Thank you, I wish I could,” was the answer. ‘ But when IJ do come to London I have so many little commissions to execute that my time has to be almost entirely givento them. I shall hope to call and see you the next time.” “T wish you would come and stay with me for a week,” cried Adela quickly. ‘It would be a charity—an oasis of pleasure in my lonely life.” ‘Lonely from the want of children,” thought Mrs. Cleveland, with a sad, faint smile. “Are you quite well?” asked Adela quickly, some delicacy in Mrs. Cleveland’s face striking her. ‘““T—hope I am,” was the hesitating answer. ‘At least, I hope that nothing serious is amiss. It is true I have not felt quite right lately, have suffered much pain; and one of my errands here is to see a physician. He has made an appointment for to-morrow morning.” Adela renewed her invitation, wished her good day, and watched the rather fragile form away with a wistful look. ‘They never saw each other again in life. Before two months had run their course, poor Mrs. Cleveland had gone where pain and suffering are not. Meanwhile, when the show-rooms had thinned a little, Madame Damereau had the “ caisse” brought out: that 1s to say, the contents ECOPMIE LOOKS. © m