The Argosy — page 286: what you’re looking at

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

The White Wich. 201 ‘T should not even ask,’ said Godfrey. ‘“‘I only beg you to oblige me by transmitting it to her, wherever she may be, without mentioning my name at all. If you would send it as an advance of her own money.” ‘‘T am sorry that I must decline to do so,” again interposed the lawyer: and I will tell you why. On her arrival in town, Miss Dixon did call upon me: her object was to endeavour to induce me to comply with a request of hers, which I had already refused by letter while she was at the Abbey. Finding me impervious, as I was obliged to be—and, upon my word, the ridiculous ideas that women entertain of business amazes me!” broke off Mr. Thorn. ‘A child would hardly have been so silly as to ask me to do what Mary Dixon asked.” ‘“‘'Yes—but please go on,’ cried Godfrey. ‘‘ Well, finding that was of no use, she then begged me to advance her some money, having already spent what was due to her this year; but, knowing the purpose to which it would be applied, I refused.” ‘Ts she well off !’’ asked Godfrey. © She has the interest of five thousand pounds: two hundred and fifty pounds yearly. When she shall be twenty-five—she is as yet more than two years short of that—she comes into the whole sum, and can throw it all away, if she so pleases, on the following day. Until then no.” “Vou will not be the means of conveying money to her from me?” Mr. Thorn shook his head. ‘‘To advance her more money,” he said, ‘‘ whether yours, or her own, or mine, would not contribute to her happiness, but to her ruin. It would all be sunk in the same old quicksand ; and if she does not mind she will fall into it at last herself. ‘Take my advice, Mr. Godfrey Mayne: keep your money in your pocket, and do not waste it on encouraging the quixotic caprices of a rash and self-willed woman.” Godfrey rose, with the same light of an immovable resolution burning steadily in his eyes. ‘‘Thank you for your advice, Mr. Thorn. It is not my fault that I cannot follow it.” “One moment, sir. When aman is so bent upon one particular course of action as I see you are, such a trifle as my refusal to help you does not stand long in his way. Perhaps the fact that Miss Dixon herself begged me not to give you any information as to her movements in case of your applying to me, may have some _ influence with you.” “It will not prevent my finding her out and assuring myself that she is in safety and that she wants nothing. How can I sit still. and eat and drink and sleep while I know there is some mystery hanging over her, sapping out her life and happiness, driving her from her home and from the very people who are ready to love and cherish her ?” he asked vehemently. EONNIE OOOKS (E@) m