The Argosy — page 96: what you’re looking at

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

Mar ARGOS Y. FEBRUARY, 1882. MRS. RAVEN’S TEMPTATION. CHAPTER VV. IN THE TEMPLE. i Vinee brightness of the long summer twilight was still lingering when Frank Raven alighted from his cab, under the trees of King’s ‘Bench Walk, in the Temple. He paid the driver, and then, guided by the names on the doorposts, and carrying his little valise in his own hand, he mounted to the topmost storey of one of the dingy man- sions. There he found a door bearing the name of Mr. Philip Connell. It stood half open, with a bundle of washing blocking it up, and Frank’s rap met with no more ceremony than an invitation to “‘come in” from his cousin’s own voice, while an elderly woman came forward and pushed the bundle aside, begging pardon for its appearance. Frank advanced into the chamber. Philip Connell was seated, cigar in mouth, in a low lounging chair. ‘There were coffee cups and scraps of toast among the newspapers and books on the table beside him. When he recognised his guest, he sprang up in astonish- ment. ‘Frank, old boy, so glad to see you! But really I did not expect you till to-morrow, so you must excuseall shortcomings. It’s a mercy Mrs. Biggs is here at this hour. Here! Mrs. Biggs!” he called in a loud voice, and it brought in the woman. ‘ Will you kindly get a cup of tea and a cottage loaf; and get two nice mutton chops. At once, please. ‘This is a visitor from a long journey.” Then he added, aside to Frank, as she moved away to obey his orders, “‘ I always excuse any extra job to the old lady. It sweetens her temper, and I find does no harm to the viands.”. Philip rattled away with his pleasant common-places. Presently, meeting little response, it struck him that his visitor was sad and S (SO) VOL, XXXIII. COKMICOOO©