The Argosy — page 280: what you’re looking at

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

& Winifred Power. 259 suggested. ‘‘ Paris was not very agreeable just then. ‘The smell of smoke was sometimes quite suffocating.” “ But surely he would have left word with you,” exclaimed Dolly. She was really alarmed, and did not care to conceal it. Winifred sat silent, much too remorsefully concerned to offer any remark. All at once, she became aware that the tears were rolling silently down Mrs. Dallas’s cheeks ; impulsively then she went close to her, and took her hands. ‘Such dreadful things have been happening. I can’t help think- ‘ing sometimes that he may have been shot,” said the poor little woman apologetically. ‘‘ Mr, Dallas says I am very foolish to have such ideas. Of course, Richard is not my own son; but he was only five when I married Mr. Dallas, and such a pretty little curly- haired fellow! A telegram came for him,” added she. “And did that tell you nothing ?” exclaimed Winifred eagerly. ‘I did not open it, my love. He would not like it to be read perhaps,” said Mrs, Dallas dutifully. And she had not told Mr. Dallas about it either, as the “children” did not care for their papa to know everything. Even at this moment Winifred could hardly forbear a smile, at such a quaint instance of motherly watchfulness. Nevertheless, she was possessed with the idea that the telegram might contain a key to the mystery, and so warmly urged its being opened that at last Mrs. Dallas began to hesitate. Still, she had not the courage to open it by herself; still less did she welcome the idea of sharing its secrets with her husband. “If Winifred would take the responsibility ? ” Winifred was generally willing to take any responsibility, and made no exception now. She started off with Mrs. Dallas, and was quickly at her destination. Mr. Dallas was out; and so the telegram was impatiently opened and—proved a puzzle the more. “Throw light on the receipt for the psalter, just found. I am accused of complicity. Answer at once. ** GERTRUDE.” There was not much to be made out of that, and it only-gave an acuter edge to the desire for Richard’s return. So poor Winifred, ruefully feeling that she had again “ interfered,” with questionable results, went home and devoted herself as best she could to the task of consoling Dolly. It was curious to see how completely that little person had appropriated Richard in her own mind. She could not have mourned him more ostentatiously if he had been her affianced lover. Such perfect openness of sentiment in a nature so little romantic had the oddest effect; but it probably made Dolly’s force. She knew exactly what she wanted, and never doubted but that she would eventually get it. And such people always succeed. Nevertheless, her tear-stained little countenance was quite a ECORNICLOOOKS.EO