The Argosy — page 285: what you’re looking at

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

266 Mrs. Raven's Temptation. ‘“T need no extra attractions, you know,” said the young man, with a strange, ghastly smile. ‘'Do not press on me these liberal invitations, or you may have too much of me.’ Perhaps, during the running to and fro after the luggage, he and the young lady found time for the interchange of a few private obser- vations. But what could lie in these hurried remarks to account for the gravity and pain which had settled on Louisa’s blooming face, as they parted from him, and entered the Connell chaise? Philip took the reins, and Frank was made to take the seat of honour beside him, Louisa and Percy sitting behind. ‘‘ Learli’s looking bad, Louie,” said. that outspoken youth, who was own brother to Philip in the way of using his tongue everlast- ingly. ‘‘It gave me quite a start to see him. We shall have to feed him up, or he’ll be going off in a decline.” Louisa answered nothing. Her face was turned from him. “The cousin looks a handsome fellow,” continued Percy, in a lowered voice. ‘*Do you think the lady-aunt down at the Court might make it up with all of us if one of you girls married back into the Raven family P ” Miss Connell made one of those ‘‘ down-setting”’ remarks in reply which elder sisters know how to administer, but with an added tartness of tone which gave her brother distinctly to understand that he was treading on delicate ground somehow, and had better be silent. As it was quite impossible for him to keep quiet, he bent - forward and devoted himself to his seniors in front. ‘“‘Look at those placards,” he said, pointing to some flaming posters on the wall they were then passing ; and which Philip and Frank saw to be further announcements of “ the Oriental Mystery.” ‘Well, who is she? and what is the fun?” asked Philip. ‘“‘Goodness knows who she is,” said the young fellow. ‘She only came into Coltburn yesterday, and I’ve been to see her already. Such a lark? J’ll tell you all about it when I get a chance; you'll have to go to her yourself, Philip.—Here we are at home.” Philip drew up gladly. ‘And here are the young tomboys!” he cried, leaping down, as two little girls of ten and twelve rushed wildly out of the garden gate. ‘As saucy and sturdy as ever,” he added, kissing them heartily. ‘“‘And that is the new governess,” said Percy, as a small, sweet- looking young woman in deep mourning came forward, watchful over her charges. ‘Miss Alice Cleare,” announced he to Frank: “and she’s one of the right sort,” he added in a whisper. And Frank Raven, in the days to come, often remembered that . rough-and-ready introduction. (70 be continued. ) EONNIE OO KS (EO) m