The Argosy — page 326: what you’re looking at

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

Catherine versus Kate. 307° ‘ Inflammation threatens them, Kate.” “Inflammation! Jam very sorry. Are you in pain?” “No. I am not exactly in pain. Sit down. It is kind of you to come and see me.” “TI came because it is your birthday and mine, and we have always. kept our birthdays together, John, since I was eight and you were sixteen.” ‘Thank you, Kate.” ‘Last year we had a picnic on this day.” “We had, Kate. You drove to the place in a dogcart—with Lord. Angelo.” “Yes, John. No one else offered to drive me, if you recollect aright.” “T would have driven you with the greatest pleasure, had you suggested it.” ‘Indeed! Bien obligé, monsieur! I suppose you would also have danced with me at Lady X ’s ball—where you sulked all the even- ing in a corner—if I had suggested it! You are singularly gracious,. John. But the end of the world is not yet, and I am still a woman.” ““ Have you come all this way to reproach me, Kate?” “No, John. I came to ask how you were, and if you enjoyed life in this secluded place.” “I do mot enjoy life; and it 1s probable I shall never enjoy life again. I can do nothing but resign myself to my fate.” “Tt is not a bad fate: you are a rich man, and ——— ‘Pardon me, it is a very bad fate. I am separated for ever from the person I love best in the world.” ‘From the person you love best in the world! I wonder how men love, John ?” ‘“‘ Catherine expressed the same wonder half-an-hour ago.” “Catherine! Who is Catherine ? ” ‘““My housekeeper. The person from whose society I now derive my only happiness.” ‘Really, John, you astonish me!” ‘Catherine is a lady, Kate. I engaged her, because in height and complexion she was like you.” | “You flatter me, indeed! Is she like me.in other respects ?” “Not very. She is older and graver, and she devotes herself to me.” “Where did she come from ?” “TI don’t know. She presented herself here, and I engaged her because she pleased me. As I told you, she reminded me of you.” “And do you really know nothing about her, John ?” “Il did know nothing whatever, Kate. ‘To-day she has told me a. part of her private history. She has told me the story of her heart.” ‘Are you sure she is not a designing woman ?” ‘Quite, my dear Kate: What designs could she have?” 2) eoniichbooks (SO) an