The Argosy — page 336: what you’re looking at

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

Her One Chance: and H1s. 315 “Vou do. You are ever with—with somebody or other,” re- torted Reginald. ‘‘ Why, it’s days and days since we had one of our ‘ pleasant walks by the sea.” wis it!* “Don’t you mean ever to go for a walk with me again?” “Indeed, yes—if you wish me to. I will go for a walk to-morrow morning if you like, the first thing after breakfast.” His brow cleared a little ; his tones grew smoother. ‘That is a bargain, mind you, Miss Maverick; a promise.” “To be sure it is. I will keep it, weather permitting. Dot ”— touching that young lady’s arm, who was approaching Katherine with a message from her mother—‘“ will go with us.” This was not exactly what Mr. Reginald wanted ; but he could not decently object to Dot’s company. Katherine was called upon to sing ; and no more was said. In the morning they took the walk, the three of them, the weather being all sunshine and sweetness. Rather a long walk they made of. it, strolling hither and thither, and did not get home until close upon’ one o’clock. There, news awaited them: Mr. Sarmiento was gone. * Gone!” exclaimed Dot. ‘*‘Why, what’s he gone for? He said nothing about going at breakfast.” “No,” said Mrs. Lanster, ‘I do not think he decided until later. He had some business letters this morning, and was uncertain whether to go or write. He made his mind up all at once; and he left his best adieux to you all.” “Much obliged to him,” returned Regy, in a semi-sarcastic, semi- jesting tone. ‘‘Is he gone for good?” “Oh yes,” said Mrs. Lanster. ‘Quite for good.” At which assurance Mr. Reginald went into the seventh heaven. “Miss Maverick,” began Dot, that same day, when the two girls were alone together, “‘do you know that mamma is disappointed.” What at ?” innocently asked Katherine. “At Mr. Sarmiento’s going off in this abrupt way, without saying anything to you.” Katherine, who was leaning half out of the open window, thought- fully twirling a carnation about in her fingers—they v were in her bed- room—turned to look at Dot. “But why? he could not help it. What should he have to say to me, more than to you and Reginald?” Dot laughed. ‘‘ Don’t be angry, Katherine, but mamma has been privately nourishing a little romance. Mr. Sarmiento was so greatly taken with you ; he seemed to like so much to be with you and to talk to you, that she thought he might have some intention of—of proposing to you.” Katherine Maverick stared like one puzzled. ‘‘Oh Dot!” “Have I offended you?” breathed Dot, for the tone was half an angry one. ‘‘I did not mean to,” ECOnnicloooks (C©)