The Argosy — page 324: what you’re looking at

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

An Oxford Idyll. 305 think,” rather timidly, ‘‘ that we might walk about a little, and come back later on ?” And as Uncle Powell pronounced this an excellent idea, Mab adjusted her hat, and they sauntered out together, turning their steps in the direction of Addison’s Walk. The Templeton girls were not enjoying themselves this afternoon. In the first place, it was rather hot, and Aunt Selina was tired. Then Owen was in one of his sulky moods, and had not offered to in- troduce any of his friends. He had turned rusty from the moment that he had met them at the station and found Mab was not with them. ‘What ashame, leaving that poor little thing alone at home!” he had blurted out. ‘I call that confoundedly hard of you women !” “Hush! Aunt Selina will hear you!” remonstrated Violet, rather alarmed at this tragical vehemence. “T don’t care who hears me!” retorted Owen. ‘ That is so like you girls. You are always putting on Mab, just because you know you cannot either of you hold a candle to her!” Which was rude, to say the least of it; but then brothers will be rude sometimes, in spite of Oxford training. To add to their discomfiture, Ned Beauchamp had come up to them a little eagerly, and had at once questioned them about Mab. ‘“‘T don’t see your sister, but she is here, of course,” trying to speak as if the question were of no moment to him, but flushing over his words like a girl ; but Pauline, who was too self-absorbed to be ob- servant, returned, quite carelessly : ‘Mab is at home at Porchester Terrace; there was no thought of her coming. What a curious orchid, Mr. Beauchamp: I have never seen one like that before.” Ned Beauchamp looked at the orchid and said a civil word or two, and then he detached himself from the party with a muttered excuse : he had only just come to show himself; it was awfully hot ; he must go back and work. “ Halloa! why is Ned Beauchamp taking himself off?” exclaimed Mr. Templeton, in surprise, as he joined his eldest daughter; but Pauline only shrugged her shoulders and looked amazed. “JT don’t know, papa; he seems to be a little odd and bearish to-day! He used to be pleasant enough when he stayed at Por- chester Terrace ; but young men will give themselves airs sometimes.” “And so will young ladies, my dear,” returned her father, rather maliciously. ‘‘ Well, well, young people must manage their own affairs. Anyhow, Ned Beauchamp is a capital fellow, and worth a little trouble. Why, he has fifteen hundred a year of his own now, and when his uncle dies he will have as much again. So you and Violet had better do your best,” continued Mr. Templeton, with the heavy raillery with which certain men of a coarse calibre love to in- dulge. COMiIcoaooks (C©) im