The Argosy — page 68: what you’re looking at

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

39 MRS. CARR’S COMPANION. By Mary GrRAcE WIGHTWICK, AUTHOR OF ‘*‘IN LANDS OF PALM.” CHAP ST ER xX. AT THE ABBEY. KANE ABBEY was a beautiful pile of buildings; the glory and show-place of the whole county. Standing exclusive and apart in the midst of its own magnificent woods, the proud erection seemed a type of its owner’s position among his fellow-mortals, who for many a mile around regarded a Kane of the Abbey with a venera- tion and respect handed down from old feudal times and vwell deserved by the present Lord of the Manor. Well might Lady Mary’s heart swell with pride as she entered the great hall one forenoon upon Colonel Kane’s arm, and remembered that it would be ker daughter’s happy lot to be mistress of all this autique splendour of space, and carving, and colour. She glanced with proud satisfaction upon Rose’s graceful figure, as she stood with the tinted rays from a stained window near glancing upon her golden head. She was looking unusually pretty this morning, with a flush of excitement coming and going upon her delicate cheek. The abbey was at last prepared to its master’s satisfaction, and in three weeks the wedding was to take place. Meantime, Lady Mary and her daughters had “driven over at his invitation to pay a long- promised visit of inspection to Rose’s future home. As they made their pleasant pilgrimage through the stately reception-rooms in almost speechless admiration of their antique beauty, Colonel Kane’s eye rested proudly upon his young betrothed. His jewel was indeed worthy of its setting. Each seemed to enhance the other’s beauty. Never had he prized his ancestral home so much, never had he loved Rose better than on this day so long looked forward to. Rose, too, to-day was so sweet and gentle; less variable, less capricious than for many weeks past. The Colonel basked in the sunshine of her smiles. At luncheon they were joined by Captain Kane, who had ridden over at his uncle’s request to help him do the honours of the abbey. His presence, Olive at least thought, added nothing to their enjoy- ment. He was no favourite with her, and to-day he spoke but little and seemed in a mood that was the reverse of equable. Both she connicloooks (C(O) mn