The Argosy — page 144: what you’re looking at

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

On and Off. 127 all; whereas, you know, it really does upset you. AndI am sure you never sentence anybody to anything, except me to go to bed when I want to sit up with you.” ‘‘T did when I was a magistrate,” he replied, shaking his head sor- rowfully over the memories of his Rhadamanthine past. ‘It was hard to know what to do; because, you know, when they got drunk they used to beat their wives. One had to give them a lesson some- times. But I generally paid their fines myself,” he added, brighten- ing up again. “‘ And these Guernsey labourers need not get drunk unless they choose,” suggested Ada. ‘‘ They can get temperance drinks at the coffee-house close by.” | “So they can, so they can,” Mr. Plympton assented. ‘‘ But the soldiers at drill can’t. What a day for marching about in the open field, dressed up tightly in heavy cloth uniforms! I suppose poor Freddy is doing that now. I do hope the dear boy will not get a sun-stroke ; he looks strong, but I have no faith in his constitution. And he takes no care of his health. Of course, a young man with a profession can’t fad about himself all day as I do,” me ended, with a gentle sigh. Ada was accustomed to these self- -upbraidings, iad knew that to establish Mr. Plympton in his own good opinion was a hopeless task. At this moment, however, she caught sight of a figure descending the winding paths which led down the face of the hill from Fort George to the pier. “T do believe that is he coming down now,” she exclaimed. ‘‘ Look, Mr. Plympton; here are your lorgnettes.” ** What good eyes you have, my dear! To make him out at all that distance! What it is to be young! But I mustn’t complain. I had my youth once, and I am afraid I made a very bad use of it. Yes, it is Freddy. I hope he won’t slip ; that path is so steep.” In a few minutes the object of all these solicitudes was by their side, a plump, red-faced, extremely jovial youth of about three-and- twenty, who looked more than equal to the task of taking care of ~ himself. “Hallo, uncle, how d’ye do? Good morning, Mrs. Chesney. Saw you from the top, and thought I’d have a scud down, to see how you were enjoying yourselves this fine day. Jolly weather, isn’t it?” “* Very fine, dear boy; but we thought you would find it hot at your drill.” “Well, it wasn’t exactly cool, but it might be hotter. Bless you, I don’t mind if it does take me down a bit, it’s good for my figure. You graceful creatures who have nothing to lose must take care of yourselves.” | *« So’ we. have been doing,” said Ada; “this is a nice place to sit.” ** Are you too much in love with it to leave it?” asked Freddy. “Because there’s a splendid yacht coming into the roads, and I - EONNIE OOO KS (Eo)