The Argosy — page 290: what you’re looking at

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

Mr, Landon. 271 jealousy, but that there was something about Mr. Landon which created a feeling of distrust. Everybody else trusted him, liked him, admired him, went into a state of enthusiasm about him, and finally, before he had been a day in the house, adored him. Mr. Harvey was in a minority of one. The interview with Mr. Middleton was most satisfactory, and he ate his dinner as if he enjoyed it, declared the potatoes were the best he had ever tasted, and that sirloin of beef was delicious after Russian fare. So Mrs. Middleton had nothing to disturb the happt- ness with which she looked from her guest to her daughter, and thought of the delightful life which she believed lay stretched before them. In the evening Mabel and her lover were left alone in the drawing- room. Mr. Landon had a very charming way of making love, and Mabel found that it was a very agreeable thing indeed to be made love to. After a great many delicious nothings had been uttered, he began to form plans after the fashion of lovers. “TI think we must be married very soon,” he began, ‘‘and then I will take you abroad.” Mabel only blushed at the first paragraph of his speech, but she smiled at the second, and said softly, “I do wish to see Switzer- land.” ‘Switzerland !” said he, with marked contempt. ‘‘ Oh, that’s just like stepping out into one’s own front garden. Yes, to be sure, you shall go to Switzerland, and Italy, and those little places, if ycu like; but f thought of South America and Africa. ‘There are charming locali- ties in both, that have been very little tampered with.” And he gave her one of his bright, sweet, almost boyish smiles, that made her feel life must be delightful with him anywhere. ‘“ And then,” he con- tinued, ‘‘we shall come back after we have explored the world, and find a home; a home in either England or Scotland. Which shall it be? Have you any especial fancy? I think the Highlands might do.” “Oh yes! it will be exquisite to live in the Highlands. But I have always had such a notion of Devonshire.” Well, why not both? A castle in the Highlands, and a park in the sweet southern county, summer and winter residences ; and then a house in London, of course; and then frequent trips abroad. Would that be a pleasant life, my Mabel ?” “Yes,” said she, laughing ; “if life is long enough to live in so many places.” ‘When we get old, we will fix in whichever we like best. Think. of growing old together! Only I can’t fancy that sweet face ever growing old.” ‘And then to have all of them come and stay with us!” “Yes. How those fine boys and pretty girls will enjoy it, and COMMICOOOKS.Cc©