The Argosy — page 20: what you’re looking at

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

The White Witch. 7 creep along the top of your green-house and put his cones and grasses and rubbish on to the schoolroom window-ledge. And the young lady in her kindness took it all in when she found it, and pretended to be as pleased as if it was diamonds. So he has got to think she’s a kind of angel, poor fellow, and if he fancies anyone wants to hurt her, he goes right off his poor head.” Godfrey was touched. ‘‘ Be at ease, Nancy: he shall not be sent away on my account.” “Thank you, Master Godfrey, that is very kind of you; for I should miss him dreadfully. He is kinder-hearted than are many people who are in their right senses. Mr. Cattermole has taken quite a fancy to him, and lets him go too far: this morning I caught Master Dick playing with his revolver. A pretty toy for my poor brother to be handling! Mr. Cattermole was really shocked when I told him, and locked it up at once.” ** And what does Mr. Cattermole want with a revolver ?” ‘What do men want with half the things they litter the place up with? Especially artists. Not that he colours much except his pipe. Well, good-night, Master Godfrey. I hope Miss Dixon will excuse the damage to her bracelet.” She passed out, and Godfrey went back to the drawing-room. Mary, who had finished her work, was sitting by the table, with her hands clasped on her lap. ‘Ts it indiscreet to ask if you expect a love-letter?” began God- frey. ‘‘ Have you one for me?” she asked with a forced smile, as she held out her hand. He put the packet into it. She did not open it. “‘ Our illustrious friend Mr. Cattermole found a bracelet of yours in the sitting-room at the farm, where you must have dropped it the other evening. How is it you didn’t miss it!” ‘*I—I don’t know ; it is only a little porte-bonheur.” “Then she must have missed it,” thought he. ‘‘ Why can’t she open the note?” “Would you mind putting that window up?” shesaid. “The room is getting so warm.” “Godfrey went to the window and instantly heard her tear the envelope. When he returned, she had put the note into her pocket, and the bracelet had fallen on the floor. ‘Was the artist very ardent ?” “Very. It appears I am the lodestar of his existence.” Her voice was hard through her attempted playfulness. Godfrey picked up the tiny bracelet; it was bent out of all shape. ‘“‘ This is quite spoilt,” he remarked. ‘ You will never be able to wear it again.” I dare say not.” * Will you—will you let me keep et and buy you another ?” ** Certainly not.” EONNIE OOS (E@) m