The Argosy — page 254: what you’re looking at

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

Mrs. Carr’s Companion. 235 Castlemaine, the worst consequences of Olive’s unwise choice seemed over for the present. Olive had been left to bear the brunt of the general dissatisfaction alone, for Thorold could not postpone his business in town, and the morning express had carried him off as arranged. While he was away that first afternoon, Olive did the very sweetest thing possible, for which Miss Hammond always loved her. She walked across the Close to the Minor Canon’s house, which she had never entered since the evening of her uncomfortable visit to Viola, and herself broke to John’s aunt the astounding news of her engage- ment, with an air of grace and dignity which won the old lady’s heart at once. ‘“‘T wish I had never believed a word against her! I never shall again!” cried Olive’s newly-won champion, with honest enthusiasm. ‘* Of course such admiration as she has had is a great trial—yes, we all know that. I dare say we should have been just as proud in her place. Oh, yes, no doubt we should!” cried the kind little woman, with ready excuses. ‘‘ But I must say Miss Egerton is not one bit spoiled, and John is avery lucky man!” ‘‘Not a doubt of it, Miss Hammond.” It was Mrs. Warburton who spoke, for the conversation was taking place in the pause for tea at one of the sociable little gatherings, with a view to Dorcas work, which Miss Hammond held periodically. ‘‘Intimately connected as I am with the dear Egertons,” pursued Mrs. Warburton, ‘‘I speak with authority when I assure you that your nephew is most fortunate. But for that unhappy fiasco about the Kane marriage, he might have had more difficulty in his wooing, I under- stand the affair was a terrible blow to Lady Mary—she will scarcely hold her head so high again. Some people say it was a judgment on her for her pride ; but we must not be uncharitable.” Certainly not, Mrs. Warburton. Those who know Lady Mary will respect her all the more for the patient way in which she has borne her misfortunes,” said Mrs. Warburton’s hostess indignantly. “Perhaps so.” Mrs. Warburton shrugged her shoulders. ‘“ But if her pride is not humbled, it ought to be. I should not care for one of my daughters to be made the public talk like Rose l’gerton.” ‘Indeed I hope they never will,” put in Mrs. Bythesea, with a little smile that would have been pronounced malicious in anyone less good-natured. “I hear Colonel Kane has vowed never to speak to one of the family again,” ventured a near neighbour of Mrs. Warburton’s, per- haps on that lady’s authority, for the Egerton affair had been often discussed between them. ‘That I tan contradict,” said Miss Hammond, still ruffled. ‘* Colonel Kane has called several times to enquire for Lady Mary. CORnnICLOOOKS.EO©