The Argosy — page 367: what you’re looking at

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

340 Lady Valeria. “Which, thank heaven, I am not. I’ve thought so all my life. I’m fond enough of Altcar and the old folks, but to be tied by the leg to a place—ugh !” ‘But as a married man.” “Well, if ¢a¢ interfered, 1t would drive me to wish myself unmar ried almost, and I don’t know how I can put it stronger.” ‘Are you sure that your regiment will be sent ?” “It’s bound to be, and, to tell you the truth, that’s why I wanted to get my poor girl safe to England with her friends.” ‘Does she know the possibility ? ” “Why, I couldn’t keep it from her, could I? She behaves splendidly about it. We had a dreadful scene at first. She was in hysterics for two days because I couldn’t promise to take her with me ; but now that’s over we can settle things comfortably. She has lots of friends in Southsea who will keep her amused and won’t let her fret. Of course it will be an anxious time, but she needn’t mope more than she can help.” ‘She had better go to Altcar. JI am sure they will be glad to have her. That will be the fittest home for her and the child—if you have to leave them.” ‘So I thought, but she says it would be too trying. If my father and mother get anxious about me she never could bear up, she is sure. A quiet, sad house like that would kill her. She thought they might like to take the baby. ‘There really isn’t much room in the Southsea house, and when I go she must have some people to stay with her. She cannot bear being left for a day ” Randolf broke off and looked earnestly across the table at his brother, who had sunk into a brown study. ‘I wonder—won’t you—I don’t think you did see Amy at her best,” he went on, incoherently, ‘‘and, perhaps, you don’t understand how full of real feeling she is. I wish you did,” wistfully. “It would be a good thing for me, Eustace, if I never come back again, to know that there is someone to stand by the lttle woman. She cam’t bear trouble or sorrow. It’s no use finding fault with her for her nature. She feels things more than other people, you see, and if I’m not with her to help her, she'll die. Won’t you promise me to do all you can for her—and—and—to be a little patient with her? I tell you, Eustace, it makes me mad to think of having to leave her all alone, to fight her own battles, my poor dependent Amy !” Randolf’s broad chest gave a great heave, and he dropped his face on his hand, Eustace rose and stood beside him, his hand on his shoulder. “ You did not need to ask me this, Randolf. Who is nearer tome in the world than you? God grant your dear ones may be spared the need of my care and have you safe home again.” Randolf smiled up at him. ‘‘ You have always been the best of good fellows, Eustace. JI wonder how many scrapes you have pulled me through in my time ?” CORNICLOOKS (EO) im