The Argosy — page 266: what you’re looking at

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

On the River. 247 ‘“‘Good-bye! Many thanks, Mrs, Fairfax. I may come over again soon P” ‘Tf you like—only it is best to give me notice beforehand, as I might be in London for the day. But, yes,’—-softening as his face falls—‘‘ come when you like. Any day this week.” The Colonel’s heavy moustache has sustained sundry pulls during this colloquy, and his face is a shade graver than usual as he steps into the vacant seat, and possesses himself of both oars. As with a few vigorous strokes the boat is once more in motion, the widow’s eye for the first time lights upon the maimed left hand, and she ex- claims in dismay : “‘ When—how—did ¢at happen ?” “In South Africa—long ago. Don’t be afraid. My sculling may be somewhat clumsy, but I will promise to get you safely home in due course of time.” “Oh! I was not thinking of myself. But does it not hurt you? I am so sorry I did not know before Sir Reginald left us! Or stay— could I help you, I wonder ? ” ‘With those tiny baby hands of yours? No, no, I am getting on perfectly well; but give that steam-launch more space, or we shall get a tossing after she has passed.” A silence follows, during which ‘both are busy with their own reflections. When Mrs. Fairfax lifts her eyes to her companion’s face, it is so grave that she exclaims in wonder : “T was going to say, ‘A penny for your thoughts,’ but from the expression of your countenance yours must be weighty enough to be worth much more. Won’t you be generous and impart them gratis P” A long pause, during which she leans. over the side of the boat and idly dabbles one hand in the water. ‘Take care,” he says, warningly ; ‘‘ you will lose your rings.” ‘‘] have none on that hand; except ———” She takes the little white fingers out of the water, and gazes half- sadly on the thick gold band—Jack’s wedding-ring—placed there six years ago, and only eighteen months before Jack’s own honest heart was still and cold. | Leslie Grahame is looking at it also, and somehow the sight nerves him to the next words he has to say. “Tt is a long time since we met, is it not? I was with poor Jack when he bought that ring, and a few days later we had orders for India, and so I missed the wedding. But I did not forget my old friend or his bride—nor,” he adds, more gently, ‘“‘did I forget you when sadder news reached me. Poor Jack!” he says, dreamily, his thoughts busy with the boy-friend of his youth, and in a manner forgetting that he is speaking to that friend’s widow; ‘so young, so . open-hearted and generous ——” ‘All that and more,” she says, quickly ; ‘he was too good for this Conniclooolks