The Argosy — page 246: what you’re looking at

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

Philip Twyford’s Exchange. 231 the death. His major would ride it now. Sold—sold—everything sold, to meet the liabilities of his friend. “TI won’t stay in England, sir, to annoy you with the sight of my impecuniosity,” he said. ‘I shall try for an exchange to India; per- haps get an adjutancy : and at any rate draw double pay.” *‘ Mean-spirited lad. The Pytchley will miss you sadly. Philip,” he continued, ‘“‘listen tome. You're good-looking, you’re popular, you're a society man. You must marry an heiress,” ‘‘T think I shall go now, sir,” irrelevantly remarked Philip. ‘‘I’ve made a clean breast of it all, and I’m sorry to have disappointed you.” The Squire appeared not to have heard. *« £70,000 pounds ifa penny. Young, pretty, and coming to the hunt ball. Justthe thing. Attend to me, sir. You admit that you are indebted to me for all you possess, or rather might have pos- sessed ?” The young man bowed assent. “Then follow my instructions. Be at the ball to-morrow night, and devote yourself—yes, devote yourself, I say, to the young lady whom I shall tell you of. Not a word, now, not a word.” * But really, sir. The idea is extremely distasteful. I don’t feel ———” Bah!” thundered the Squire, “‘ beggars can’t be choosers. Now go, if you like.” About a week before the preceding conversation, two girls, attended — by a middle-aged lady, of the sharp-featured, sombrely-dressed type, indicative ot ‘“‘ Lady Companion,” entered the costume room of Messrs. Harley and West’s, in Regent Street. There were lovely dresses on the stands. Fairy-like arrangements of billowy tulle or Indian gauze; rich silks and satins, falling in massive folds ; and charming constructions in shots or satin marveil- leux, to suite the more slender pockets. ‘It really is too good of you, Lettie,” almost whispered the younger of the two girls. ‘‘ I never saw anything so sweet before.” She was a neat little woman, with a round, child-like face and soft grey eyes. : “Well, look about and choose,” laughed her companion. “ You seem dazzled by all the magnificence, but that will soon pass off.” The speaker was a strikingly handsome girl, evidently older by two or three years than her friend, and a great contrast. A blonde of exceptional perfection, with masses of soft silken hair crowning a face that was noticeable for its pure colouring even among beauties of her complexion. Stately and gloriously fair, she appeared taller than she really was. An attendant approached her and bowed deferentially. ‘I want something very pretty in ball dresses,” she said carelessly. “Not too handsome: it is for a first ball; for my friend here. Jeannie, come and consult.” EONNIE OO KS (EO)