The Argosy — page 222: what you’re looking at

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

Caramel C otlage. 205 been taking it for Mr. Reste’s apparition, you see, whereas it was Mr. Reste himself. Joan closed the shutters, stirred the fire, and went away to see what she could do for him in the shape of eatables after his journey. He sat down by Katrine, and took her poor wan face to his sheltering arms. In the sobbing excitement of the moment, in the strangely wonderful relief his presence brought, Katrine breathed forth the truth ; that she had seen him, as she believed, duvzed under the summer-apple tree ; had believed it all this time, and that it had been slowly killing her. Mr. Reste laughed a little at the idea of his being buried, and cleared up matters in a few brief words. ‘But why did you never write ?” she asked. ‘“‘ Being at issue with Mr. Barbary, I would not write to him ; and { thought, Katrine, that the less you were reminded of me the better. I waited in London until my luggage came up, and then went straight to Dieppe, without having seen anybody I knew ; without having even shown myself at my Chambers ——— ” “But why not, Edgar?” she interrupted. Mr. Reste laughed. “Well, I had reasons. I had left a few outstanding accounts there, and was not then prepared to pay them, and I did not care to give a clue to my address to be bothered with letters.” ‘You did not even write to Captain Amphlett. He came se to see after you.” ‘““] wrote to him from Dieppe ; not quite at first, though. Buried under the apple-tree ! that zs a joke, Katrine!” It was Christmas Eve, I have said. We had gone through the snow, with Mrs. Todhetley, to help the Miss Pages decorate the church, and the Squire was alone after dinner, when Mr. Reste was shown in. “Ts it you!” cried the Squire in hearty welcome. ‘‘So you have come down for Christmas ! ” ‘“‘ Partly for that,” answered Mr. Reste. ‘‘ Partly, sir, to see you.” “"To see me! You are very good. I hope you'll dine with us to-morrow, if Barbary will spare you.” “Ah! I don’t know about that; I’m afraid not. Anyway, I have a tale to tell you first.” Sitting on the other side the fire, opposite the Squire, the wine and walnuts on the table between them, he told the tale of that past Tuesday night. He had gone out with Barbary in a fit of foolishness, not intending to do any harm to the game or to join in any harm, though Barbary had insisted on his carrying a loaded gun. The moon was remark- ably bright. Not long had they been out, going cautiously, when on drawing near Dyke Neck, they became aware that some poachers were already abroad, and that the keepers were tracking them ; so there was nothing for it but to steal back again. ‘They had nearly reached Caramel Cottage, and were making for the side gate, when a huge GOnmlGoaooks (CO