The Argosy — page 320: what you’re looking at

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

301 CATHERINE versus KATE. “ ( ‘ATHERINE !” Ves sir.” “Ts there anything the matter with my eyes, Catherine ?” ** Allow me to look, sir.” The first speaker was an athletic and handsome man, the beauty ot whose intelligent face was marred by the defectiveness of his expres- sion. His interlocutrix was a tall and dignified woman. She was neatly attired in black silk, and she wore an apronand a white cap. Her complexion was beautiful, her features were regular. But her comeli- ness was defaced by large blue spectacles and by the defectiveness of her teeth. Notwithstanding these blemishes, however, the house- keeper presented a very pleasing appearance, and as she approached her master, an expression of peace stole over his countenance. ** Allow me to look at your eyes, sir,” she said. He permitted her, without reluctance, to do this, and, standing with her back to the light, she seemed to examine them attentively. ““T see nothing, amiss, sir,” said she, in a tone which was at once cheerful and respectful. “Nothing ?” he rejoined. ‘‘ No redness? no signs. of inflamma- tion ?” “None whatever, sir.” The master sighed. ‘Tam a very sensitive person,” he remarked. Les, sir.” | “And I have a presentiment that my eyes may be sorely tried to- day, Catherine.” ‘* Indeed, sir !” “Yes, sorely tried. I should like to tell you why. Can you spare me half-an-hour ? ” ‘JT am at your service, sir.” “Then sit down, Catherine. I can’t talk while you stand.” The housekeeper obeyed. She placed a chair at a modest distance from her master and seated herself, folding her hands meekly. “TI wish you didn’t wear spectacles, Catherine!” said the gen- tleman. ‘I am sorry to displease you, sir,” returned she. ‘‘ But they are essential to me.” “I beg your pardon. Iam getting old, and you must excuse my crossness. ‘l’o-day is my birthday. I am thirty-eight.” “Indeed, sir! You look much younger.” “Thank you, Catherine. You flatter me. But I am thirty-eight to-day, and in two years I shall be forty. It is a depressing thought. COnnicloooks (SO) am