The Argosy — page 129: what you’re looking at

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

II4 Thought-Reading at Lady Clanjainfry’s. Perhaps this was why the success of the experiment seemed uncer- tain when, on recalling the Professor from the boudoir, he was once more placed between them, and clasping a hand of each pressed it to his temples. ‘“‘ Here are conflicting sensations ; you are not of the same mind,” the operator said sternly. ‘I will ask Miss Barrington to sit down,” (‘“‘ There’s really something in it,” whispered the hostess, “for you observe he’s got the girl’s name, and I’m sure he didn’t know it!”) “and beg Colonel Lyndhurst to concentrate all his attention on the subject in hand.” A start, a plunge forward on the part of the Professor, a thrill of expectation all through the drawing-room ; Colonel Lyndhurst’s arm is almost dislocated as his companion dashes off under a sudden in- spiration. But it is not towards the chandelier with the Damocles umbrella that Von Boschmann springs. Itis to the distant chair which, the clerical celebrity having vacated, Mabel has appropriated, as far from the scene of action as is compatible with politeness to her hostess. Flinging himself at her feet Von Boschmann pours forth a torrent of words which fortunately are indistinguishable to the majority of the audience, though “ Forgive me,” ‘‘ I love you, Mabel,” ‘ Life is nothing to me without you,” are not to be mistaken ; while the gestures of the excited experimentalist denote the most extravagant form of passion- ate entreaty. Lady Clanjamfry sprang from her chair, and Mrs. Barrington did the same ; there was a rush at the drawing-room door of the people who had quietly remained in the tea-room and on the stairs, and who suddenly became.aware that something exceedingly interesting was a-foot within ; Colonel Lyndhurst tore his hand from the thought- reader’s brow, and the German rose to his feet with a smile and a bow. ‘Am I not right ? Have I not performed your thought, read your meaning correctly ?” he asked, with an air of suppressed triumph. “Good heavens, no!” thundered Lyndhurst, seizing the unhappy Professor by the collar, and shaking him violently. ‘‘ How do you dare insult.a lady in this manner? I will break every bone in your wretched little fi Lady Clanjamfry, Mrs. Barrington, and Lord Curzon were all on the platform now. ‘The lady of the house had her hand upon the in- furiated Colonel’s arm, Lord Curzon had rescued the trembling and spluttering foreigner, Mrs. Barrington had flown to her daughter ; the clerical celebrity and the eminent physician had, with great presence of mind, interposed their portly persons between the audience and the group on the platform. “But he shall give me satisfaction,” vociferated the Professor, though fortunately the bandage having fallen down over his mouth in the struggle, his expletives were not audible to the rest of the room. CONNIE NOOLKS (E() m