The Argosy — page 183: what you’re looking at

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

166 Lady Valena. heart her piteous little smile went straight and true. He drew near to her at once, and, in the fashion of his country, had contrived to express the tenderest interest and unlimited sympathy in the course of five minutes’ conversation before the sound of the gong announced luncheon. Mary Liddell was bringing back the first division of her party as the others re-entered. She had learnt everyone’s name with marvel- lous speed, and had taken Hester to her heart of hearts. The girls had looked at pictures, and listened to legends, and refreshed their toilettes, and were now keen for the next item of the programme, but here a slight change had to be made. Mary was to have played hostess at the long table in the great dining-room, Lady Altcar not being allowed to risk the excitement of so large a gathering, but this arrangement Mrs. Randolf scattered airily to the winds. “Of course / shall take dear Lady Altcar’s place. We must not all desert our guests. J am sure Mr. de Cressy will come and support mates” “But then—I must stay with Cousin Esmée,” said poor Mary, dismally. ‘It won’t do to let her be the only lady, as Lady Archdale is to have luncheon with her. Somebody else must be there, and you promised yesterday ‘ “My dear girl, you can do as you please. It’s quite clear where my duty lies,” and, escorted by de Cressy, she made her stately entry into the room where by this time all the rest had assembled. Eustace from the foot of the table watched her with quiet amuse- ment as she presided, distributing her gracious, condescending little speeches broadcast, and enjoying to the full the subdued whispers of admiring criticism that she knew her pretty smiles and dainty laces and picturesque gown were exciting. He was glad that she should be enjoying herself, but wished he hadn’t seen poor Mary’s downcast look when sent back to her duties. He must see that it was made up to her later; and meanwhile the feast was going merrily, and Mrs. Bates and Mrs. Goodliffe were deep in interchange of confidences, with the Vicar and the Major for heroes ; and the good things went round —the good things of a repast never equalled in the most fashionable novel that anyone had ever read—with gold plate, and hot-house fruit and flowers, and ices and marvels of confectionery ; and with the dessert came the crowning moment of Amy’s life at Altcar. There was a moment of expectation, no one knew exactly for what. Mr. Renwick thought ‘‘ Grace,” and looked at Eustace for instructions. The brewery clerk wondered if there was going to be any speaking, and if so, whether it wouldn’t fall to him to propose ‘“ the ladies,” but, on a sign from Amy, the door was flung widely open, the footman announced sonorously, ‘‘ Miss Esmée Stannard,” and there entered majestically a procession of three. First, a little heap of fine linen and rich lace over shimmering satin, borne aloft in the arms of, Secondly, a dignified nurse, rustling COUM (>) el ONOVO/ KS,(E0) m