The Argosy — page 84: what you’re looking at

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

Adonais, Q.C. "3 Ah, but would he have done it ?—would he have spoken had he known the storm that was raging under the veil of a dignified carriage and a pale grey princess robe, which shone and shimmered like the waters of a Highland loch at dawn? If Gabrielle had forgotten, just for a little, that she had staked on the heart of Adonais, and so far had been humiliated, she remembered it all now with more than re- doubled force. ‘There was something in her better nature urging her to give up the heart of Adonats and the gloves for ever ; but the thought of her own defeat and ignominy, and, above all, the thought of Roland’s taunts, made the breath come hard and fast, as if it stifled her. It had been said of Roland Vaughan, that if his hatred was a bitter thing, his jeer was a worse, and harder to bear; and Gabrielle Ryan would have told you that this was true. She knew the look in the bold eyes, and the turn of the hard mouth—the eyes and mouth of the man she had promised herself to. She knew it; and, making an effort, cast aside all better thoughts. She would win the pair of gloves—and the heart of Adonais. He had made his way to her, and was bending down to speak. ** My heart, Miss Ryan—I have been thinking about it: what are you to tell them about my heart ?” The passing weakness had flown; she raised her pale face to his. What shall I tell them?” she answered gently. * Well—is it true, do you think, that I have none?” **T—-do not think so.” His eyes gleamed a little mischievously. ‘‘ When must the dispute be decided ?” This time she neither changed colour nor drooped her face from his. ‘ At my leisure, I suppose.” Adonais hesitated a moment before replying. ‘‘Then the answer may wait?” She smiled. ‘Oh, yes. It may wait, of course.” The guests were gone. Adonais trod the wet pavement, for the rain had ceased, and it pleased him to walk, and indulge his thoughts. And Gabrielle on her way up to her bedroom was stopped on the stair- case ; stopped twice. Once, a woman with a cold white face, just touched the girl’s brow with her lips. ‘‘Good-night, Gabrielle. Have you—have you no mercy, child ?” She opened her eyes. ‘“ A/ercy, Claire?” “Yes; mercy on Mr. Adonais. Wait a minute: I am so weak and tired. If you have no mercy for his sake, havea little for mine.” Gabrielle hesitated a moment, and passed on. “Claire! how can you be so ridiculous!” A little further up, she was met again. A hand was laid upon her shoulder. ‘Well, Gabrielle, are you tired? I saw you were doing your best VOL. XXXVII, _ F* CONMIEIOOKS (E@) m