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

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

298 Iwo Dreams. “That is my husband’s dressing-room,” said Mrs. Holt as they passed an open door. ‘‘ Now turn to the right, and at the end of this passage is your room. I chose it tor my den on account of its inaccessibility.” When reached, it looked such a cheerful, bright little room, with the afternoon sun streaming into it, that Effie was charmed. “If I feel lonely, I can keep Susan with me,” she thought. “Now I shall leave you to rest,” said Mrs. Holt. ‘If you could get a little nap before dinner, you would be all the better for it.” ‘““T must write to mamma and Launce, that will be better than sleeping, and will refresh me quite as much. What time do you dine? 7.30? Very well; good-bye till then.” “T really believe Simmons is wrong in his head,” said Colonel Holt to his wife as he came into her room half an hour before dinner. ‘““ What has he done now, then ?” ‘The fellow’s manner is so odd I can’t understand him. As soon as you had taken Effie up to her room I sent for him to say an extra place must be laid at the dinner-table, and stated the reason. He didn’t make any answer, and looking up I saw he was white as death and shaking all over; then he began a stammering request to be allowed to go away, he was not well, and so on. However, I cut him short, and told him if he wanted to go he must wait till to-morrow, and that then, if go he would, it must be for good; but that, of course, he must stop and do his work to-night. Withthat I left him, and just now I saw him at work in the dining-room, so I suppose he has recovered his senses.” ‘“ How very strange his conduct is,” said Mrs. Holt; ‘it 1s exactly a year ago to-day since his last vagary.” Contrary to her wont, Mrs. Holt felt somewhat of an anxious hostess as she greeted her guests that evening, but she was reassured by Simmons’s manner, which was as composed as usual. Effie, obeying her natural instincts, was late, and reaching the drawing-room after dinner had been announced, fell to the lot of a shy, red-haired youth, who took her in in solemn silence, apparently abashed by the radiance of her diamonds. It was a pleasant, sociable dinner enough, and all went well, to Mrs. Holt’s secret relief. She gave a sigh of satisfaction on reaching the drawing-room, feeling now that all danger was over. Never had Effie been brighter or merrier. As soon as the men came up Mrs. Holt persuaded her to sing. She had a lovely voice, but was usually too shy and nervous to perform before strangers. However, to-night she seemed a different creature, and not a little to her own surprise felt every inclination to comply with the request. Everyone was enchanted, and she was besieged for another song. “You must have some coffee first,” said Colonel Holt, beckoning to Simmons to bring it. ‘““T am better without coffee,” said Effie, looking up to decline it, when her eyes suddenly met those of Simmons, who was holding the EORMICELOOOKS EO) im