The Argosy — page 34: what you’re looking at

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

Winifred Power. 21 and loyalty, said very little to-day, and nothing that could compromise you. But she evidently counts upon you to release her from her present position, and it is impossible to say how long her silence may last when she finds herself mistaken. Her story, to the prejudiced ears of Marleyford—prejudiced in our favour,” said John, with an air of sardonic satisfaction—‘“ will probably at first strike everybody as wildly improbable, but its ultimate acceptance, will largely depend upon me. If I state my conviction that my cousin was my sister’s cat’s-paw, I fancy our kind neighbours and friends will, one and all, accept the succulent morsel of scandal whole. Martha will be pitied as a victim and exalted as a martyr; I shall bring my wife, her existence no longer a secret, in trlumph home; while you, my dear—well! I leave you to imagine the figure, more novel than edifying, that you will cut.” Mary was speechless with dismay and rage. In the last few minutes she had lived through a decade of mental experience. She saw her respectability in men’s eyes—that elaborate fabric built up of family tradition and personal pride—threatened to its foundations ; she was frightened for her lover, frightened for herself, a little re- morseful about Martha; and aghast, to the point of pain, at the unexpected revelation of her brother’s true character. ‘“*J—I declare I do not know you,” she exclaimed. “You do not know me because this is the first time in our lives that the clash of antagonistic interests has brought out the essential difference between us. If you will have confidence in me—good. If not, Mary, you will have nobody but yourself to blame for anything unpleasant that may happen to you.” Her nerves irritated by his stern composure, his calm superiority, Mary again sought refuge in tears. He let her sob for a little while. “Now, Mary, for the question of the money. I have just detected you in the attempt to obtain a codicil by undue influence.” ‘“My father volunteered to make it,” she flashed out, restored to some momentary energy. “The proof? Let me tell you that-a codicil in your own favour and your own handwriting, would look very suspicious in the eyes - of the law. And why do you object to the original will ?” “For aught I know I am disinherited,” she said, falling into the trap laid for her, and betraying her real ignorance of her father’s intentions. . John indulged in a smile of quiet triumph ; and as he had learnt all he needed to know, he was gratified at this moment to hear the clash of the gong. “Seven o'clock, I declare! Come, Mary, dry your eyes, and be reasonable. You will certainiy make ducks and drakes of any money which is left you; but at the same time, if it be any comfort to you to know that you will not starve, of that I can assure you. You are in a hole, and so is Ralph, for that affair of the letter is criminal ; but ECOMICHOOKS.cO