The Argosy — page 350: what you’re looking at

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

Court Netherleigh. 329 ‘Madam, I am but the agent of Madame Damereau. I can only speak as she bids me.” “True,” answered Selina, softening ; “it is not your fault. But I must have the things. You will get them for me, will you not?” she said, in an accent of entreaty, feeling that she was speaking to a gen- tlewoman, although one who but held asituation at amilliner’s. ‘ Oh, pray use your influence! get her to let me have them.” Mrs. Cooper stood in distress, for hers was one of those refined spirits that cannot bear to cause, or to witness, pain. “If it depended upon me, indeed you should have them,” she answered, ‘‘ but I have no influence of that nature with Madame Damereau. She would not allow the slightest interference between her and her ladies: were | to attempt it I might lose my place in her house, and be turned out again to struggle with the world.” “Has it been a harsh world to you?” inquired Selina, pityingly. ‘Oh, yes,” was Mrs. Cooper’s answer, “or I should not be where I am now. And Iam thankful to be there,” she hastily added: “I would not seem ungrateful for the mercy that has followed me in my misfortunes.” ‘J think misfortunes are the lot of all,” spoke Selina. ‘‘ What can I do to induce Madame Damereau to furnish me with these things ?” ‘““Perhaps you had better call and see her yourself, madam,” re- plied Mrs. Cooper, relapsing into her ostensible position. ‘I will try and say a word to her to-night that may prepare her. She has a good heart.” ‘“T will see her to-morrow. ‘Thank you,” replied Mrs. Dalrymple, ringing for Mrs. Cooper to be shown out. Selina finished dressing and went forth to the evening’s gaiety with what spirits she had. On the following day she proceeded to Madame Damereau’s at an early hour, before any other of the clientele would be likely to appear. But the interview, although Mrs. Cooper had said as much as she dared, was not productive of good. Madame had gradually learnt the true position of Oscar Dalrymple, that he was a very poor man instead of a rich one; she feared she might have trouble over her amount, and was obstinate and obdurate. Not exactly insolent: she was never that, to her customers’ faces: but she and Mrs. Dalrymple both lost their temper, and the latter was im- politic enough to say some cutting things, not only in disparagement of Madame’s goods, but about the “ cheating prices” she had been charged. Madame Damereau’s face turned green, and the inter- view ended by her stating that if some money was not immediately furnished her, she should sue Mr. Dalrymple for the whole. Selina went away sick at heart ; for she read determination on the incensed lips of the Frenchwoman. “ conniclooolkks (C(O) >»