The Argosy — page 170: what you’re looking at

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

Edith Falconer. 157 and thought the changes had had any source in emotion, he would have set it down to his own account. ‘Edith, I have been talking to your father,” began Sir Percival, taking her hand as she approached, and holding it in both his own. “‘T have been speaking ——” But then the Baronet was interrupted. ‘‘ Edith!” exclaimed the young lady, recovering possession of her own hand in a very decided manner; ‘I think you are making a mistake, Sir Percival ; I am not accustomed to be so addressed.” ‘Nonsense, Edith! don’t be so absurd as to make a fuss about a name. Besides, Sir Percival has the best right to address you by any name he chooses,” cried Mr. Falconer, and as he spoke his eye had a certain expression of threatening intended to impress his daughter. “This is nothing new,” Hunt struck in. ‘‘You must have seen he hopes that I have been entertaining.” ) Guilt and confusion dyed Miss Falconer’s fair cheeks crimson. “YT wish you had spoken to me plainly in the first instance, Sir Percival. I—I am promised to ——” “Mr. Russell !” said a servant, flinging wide the door at this juncture. Miss Falconer looked relieved at the interruption ; Hunt confused and annoyed. Mr. Falconer alone of the trio did anything. ‘Say that Iam engaged. Beg of Mr. Russell to wait,” cried he, rising from his seat and waving the servant impatiently away. But as he spoke Russell walked into the room. “T am engaged now, Mr. Russell; if you will call again I shall be happy to see you,” repeated Mr. Falconer, in a tone of annoyance. Russell was about to withdraw; but as he was preparing to do so, his eyes met Edith’s, which so plainly said “stay” that he hesitated. Moreover, 1n that brief survey of the occupants of the room, he had pretty well taken in all the bearings of the scene. ‘‘T can despatch my business at once, Mr. Falconer, and save intruding upon your time again,” said he. “It was but to gain your sanction to my engagement with your daughter.” Both Mr. Falconer and Sir Percival Hunt looked up utterly amazed. ‘What ?” shouted Sir Percival. ‘‘ And pray, sir, what is the meaning of this ill-timed | jesting ?” cried the father, in tones of displeasure. But their incredulity quickly had to give way before the truth; there was something in the aspect of the pair which forced the real state of affairs upon their minds. Russell’s air of complete and tranquil possession, as he held Edith by the hand, with the girl’s trustful glance at her lover, left their victims in no doubt as to the reality of Russell’s pretensions. ‘It is no jest; I consider the subject a serious one,” said Russell, with provoking coolness. ‘‘I am most desirous, Mr. Falconer, of marrying your daughter.” ECORNIClOOKKS (CO) mn