The Argosy — page 123: what you’re looking at

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

108 Thought-Reading at Lady Clanjamfry’s. ‘“Ah, to be sure. Well, he came and called—at least so James said ; and he saw Miss Barrington, and then he went away and took your poor father’s hat instead of his own, and had to return and change it. But Mabel had a bad headache when I came in, and told me nothing.” ‘Took that old hat, did he? That looks bad—must have looked bad, I mean. Do you think she refused him ?” ‘““My dear boy, how can I tell? You and Mabel tell me so little about your affairs, I sometimes feel inclined to give up London life altogether, and set up in some quiet little village, where at least I can be of use to some poor old woman. I should be doing a little good then at all events.” This was a favourite threat of Mrs. Barrington’s when annoyed. ‘“Poor dear mother! I’m sure you're the life and soul of a dozen old women as it is, without going to a country village to look for them. Now, what is it ? I know you are vexed about something.” ‘Only this troublesome affair of Mabel’s,” admitted the lady, who liked to be petted and pitied by her handsome son: ‘“‘and all sorts of little worries. Why, that sister of Mrs. Simpleson’s asked me how long Mabel had been out, and if I knew Lady Clanjamfry ? And then when I said ‘ yes,’ she asked if we were going to the soirée on the 27th? I was obliged to say we hadn’t got our card yet; at which she pretended to be quite concerned, though she managed to mention that it was only for zztimate friends.” ‘“Poor mother! Point her out to me the next time we meet at an evening party, and I'll go for her skirts in my spurs !” ‘But, Tom, suppose Lady Clanjamfry doesn’t ask us?” ‘We'll dynamite Clanjamfry House just as Mrs. Simpleson’s carriage stops the way! Well, goodbye mother; I’m dining with Chambers at the club, and perhaps I shall be able to bring you home news of the Colonel—see you at breakfast. Goodbye.” TEE ‘‘ LYNDHURST’S gone off to Paris,” said Captain Tom Barrington, next morning, laying down the 7zmes unconcernedly, as if he had just read the news in its pages, and glancing across at his sister. “Ah! here it is, at last,” cried Mrs. Barrington, waving an envelope triumphantly behind the tea-urn. ‘“'What, from him?” Mabel ejaculated, off her guard. ‘I mean, at least, of course, from her?” seeing Tom’s eyes curiously regarding her. _ “Yady Clanjamfry’s invitation,” continued her mother, heedless of her daughter’s slip. ‘ ‘Ars. and Miss Barrington, Thursday, 27th July, 10 oclock. Thought reading!’ How delightful ! ” “Ugh!” shuddered Tom, resuming the Zzmes, but still covering his sister’s face from behind it. ‘Don’t ask me, do they ? that’s all GOmMmIicdooks (E(©)