The Argosy — page 47: what you’re looking at

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

j { } 34 My Saturdays. “The tea by all means, ever-hospitable Vera; but I can talk while you are pouring it out. Edwin has had one of his upsets ; I suppose that is why I look rather the worse for wear.” ‘‘T am sorry to hear it: nothing very bad, I hope?” “T am afraid it was bringing up that wretched Cyprus business again ; it reminds him of so many standing troubles, and when he » once begins to worry, he cannot leave off. And worry always knocks him up. We have had a very pénible three days.” ‘Poor child,” I said, pityingly. (I always found it difficult to pity the Professor. ) “Oh, Vera, it is hard!” she exclaimed, dropping her hands in her lap, and looking at me with pathetic eyes. ‘It is like Gulliver in Lilliput—tied down by his hair. ‘There is an end to be gained, a victory to be won, and plenty of strength to do it—strength of brain in him, strength of will in me. And when we would throw ourselves at it, we are held back by miserable little bonds which no one else can see, but which make any movement such intolerable pain.” “IT know, dear; I think I understand.” “Tam sure you do; but you know I cannot explain it to Mr. Rintoul ; he must think what he likes. It is plainer than ever that my husband cannot stand any discussion of the subject, until there is positive, certain good news ; and it is plain, too, that it will not do to lose this chance. So I will do all that is needed myself, and keep it a secret from him. I hate anything under-hand, but I see no other way. You will help me through, won’t you P” ‘Certainly I will. And now that you have made up your mind, we won't think about the difficulties except as they arise. What about the list ?” She took a paper out of her pocket, and waved it triumphantly. ‘‘ There it is, and hard work I have had to get it. The notes were stowed away in the most un-get-at-able corner of the lumber-room ; and when I found them, they were in such utter confusion that it took me hours to put the chapters together. It was like making up a dissected map. Now, will you post it to Mr. Rintoul for me at once?” I duly forwarded the list to Archibald. On Friday I had a hurried note from him: ‘Tell Mrs. Lingard to copy the chapters on ‘ Antiquities,’ ‘Climate and Soil,’ and ‘ Personal Adventures,’ and to let me have them as done. Will be down to-morrow.” Armed with this, I went in to inquire after the Professor, and express my hopes of seeing him next day. He was in one of his moods of depression, and owned himself to be feeling oppressed by the warm weather. He put it differently : “Tt is too much for me, Mrs. Singleton—this blaze of colour and breath of incense everywhere. I am out of tune, I fear. At any rate, I should certainly be so at your merry party.” I grew cross, and tired of persuading him; so I said good-bye. COPMICDOO KS, EO