The Argosy — page 267: what you’re looking at

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

240 Mrs. Raven's Temptation. think I must go and sit with him, and talk about Simonides and Theocritus. I always keep him off the Greek tragedians ; his own history is too like them. Come back as soon as you can.” ‘“We were forced to come away in the conventional manner, I suppose,” said Philip to Frank, as they walked homewards, ‘‘ for she would not have allowed us to stay. Nevertheless, Mr. Agate has once been the victim of a terrible mania, and one always wonders whether any agitating circumstance might not bring back the attack. But I am sure his sister would even die in his service ; and it could not be harder than the life she has lived for his sake.” The Temple Chambers were in gloom when they re-entered het: But, even at the first moment, there was light enough for Philip to see a yellow envelope on the table. He pounced upon it. ‘Telegrams were not so common in those days as now, and an air of disaster, or at least of destiny, hung about them. It was for Frank, from Mrs. Raven, and it summoned him thus: ‘‘Come to Ravenscourt at once. Your brother is suddenly taken ill; and there are also great trouble and anxiety of other kinds.” CHAPTER XXXVI. A SLIGHT CLUE. ¥RANK Started for Ravenstoke in the early hours of the morning. He would reach the Court by breakfast time. Philip saw him off. Of all possible returnings to the Court, this which he was now making would have been the very last to enter Frank Raven’s mind. Sent for by Mrs. Raven !—sent for, too, as a mainstay and refuge in a time of trouble! When the train drew up at Ravenstoke station, there was Mrs. Raven standing on the platform, awaiting it. This was a most un- usual attention from her. Frank could not remember her having ever shown it before to anybody, not even to his father. And over the low wall of the station, Frank could see the pony-chaise in charge of James Sloam. Mrs. Raven put her hand into Frank’s without a word of greeting, and looked up into his face with faded, tearless eyes. ‘Your brother is very ill indeed,” she said. ‘He has had an attack which seems like those of his childhood. But they say it is very significant now. The doctors tell me we must face the worst.” Frank had led her to the chaise while she spoke. ‘You will drive me back yourself, please,” she said. ‘* James can return on foot.” ‘“My cousin Philip asked me to telegraph to him, directly I met you,” observed Frank, as he assisted her to her seat. ‘‘I suppose I may say all else is well except poor Leonard. For your telegram ECOPMICLOIOOKS, oO)