The Argosy — page 205: what you’re looking at

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

188 The Mystery of Allan Grale. must be that ‘‘ good influence ” which had been indicated to George, and so was comforted. ‘‘ And was there really any meaning in the wonderful things which were said to you ?” “It was strange to bring in poor old Edgar,” George answered. “There was nothing very wonderful said to me.” ‘“¢ About the secret sorrow ?” whispered Mary Anne. “Yes, that was a fortunate hit; but all the rest about the influences was mere twaddle,” he replied, rather restively. ‘“‘ Perhaps you fail to recognise its truth,” gently said Mary Anne. By this time they were all making preparations for departure, in- tending not to disturb Mrs. Grale. With as much gallantry as he could command, Mr. Grale prepared to hand her ladyship to her hired carriage. From what had passed, it seemed that poor Lady Laura was not without her own difficulties. ‘‘ Aristocratic shoes often pinch,” said homely Mr. Grale to himself, and added aloud: ‘‘ You seem to have good friends among the spirits, Lady Laura.” ‘TI need them,” she replied sadly, ‘‘ I have few earthly ones.” “Well, well,” said the manufacturer, “I’m but a plain man, and if I put it bluntly, you must excuse me. But I take it very kindly that your ladyship has tried to do so much for me, and if ever—if there’s anything I could advise you on, or help you in, you’ve only to say the word, and Richard Grale is at your service.” Lady Laura raised her dark liquid eyes. ‘‘ How can I thank you!” she said. ‘‘ My spirit friends are true prophets. Your generous offer has not come too soon, for, indeed, I need sucha friend. I shall take the liberty of writing a letter to you to-morrow, Mr. Grale, explaining certain circumstances to you.” | “'That’s right,” responded Mr. Grale. ‘I like to be taken at my word. Yes, the spirits do seem to know a thing or two. There’s few would have said I could appreciate a philosopher.” ‘*Of course,” said Lady Laura, rather absently. ‘‘ Dear Mr. Grale,” she added, ‘‘ when you hear my distresses, you must not trouble your good wife with them. She has enough sorrow of her own just now, without making her sensitive soul bleed for a friend.” ‘Sometimes it does people good to find that others beside them- selves have something to bear,” returned Mr. Grale: ‘ but it shall be exactly as you wish, Lady Laura.” The Palmers and George Vivian were hastening along the twilight road. George had offered his arm to Lettice, and they were talking gaily. Agnes was clinging to her father, and between them there was perfect silence. “¢ Agnes,” said the Doctor at last, ‘‘ I want to hear what you think about it all? Was it unaccountable truth? or was it deep-laid trickery ?” (To be continued. ) COMMIECMOOOKS. (EO)