The Argosy — page 195: what you’re looking at

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

178 Lady Valeria. hospitality. It .was long and elaborate, and carefully served, and answered one good purpose: that of getting through the interval that lay before ten o’clock. When it: ended at last and they left the room for the library, it wanted but a few minutes of that hour. They kept silence at first by mutual consent, till the very ticking of the clock grew oppressive. Mr. Meynell drew out his watch and compared it in silence ; then walked restlessly from door to window, sitting down at last cowering and shivering as with cold. ‘“ He is late,” he said, speaking at last. “No. It is just the hour.” As Eustace answered, the clock struck and a knock sounded on the door outside. Mr. Meynell seemed to gather himself together at the sound, rose from his chair and stood a sort of ghastly shadow of his usual im- portant self, upright and dignified, on the hearthrug. “A gentleman to see you, sir,” the butler announced, and the new-comer entered. - A man of middle height, well dressed in the usual morning attire of an English gentleman ; dark hair, slightly grizzled on the temples ; with a silky black moustache and wavy small beard on the chin only ; complexion tanned ; a quiet, watchful eye and a flash of white teeth when he spoke or smiled. ‘There was something foreign about him ; perhaps his figure, which was that of a corpulent Frenchman before he abandons all hope of girding himself into symmetry ; perhaps his shiny pointed-toed little boots ; perhaps a certain floridity of speech and gesture. .So much the Vicar noticed while the man crossed the room and extended his hand to Mr. Meynell, who, after a second’s hesitation, took it; and then turned on Mr. Stannard with an enquiring look, and as one who had the right to enquire. “My friend Mr. Stannard, of St. Fridolin’s,” said the banker. ‘“He was in Lady Valeria’s entire confidence, and in justice to her memory I wish him to be here.” Eustace detected a certain flash of recognition as his name was mentioned, but the stranger only bowed politely. “ Ah! Her ladyship’s spiritual adviser,” he murmured. ‘ Now, will you kindly present me to Mr. Stannard.” Meynell winced.. “I have already explained who you are. The supposed son of Lady Valeria’s foster-mother claiming to be in reality my elder brother.” ‘ That’s so, and I’m prepared to prove it. That’swhat Iam. The son of Lady Valeria by her marriage with ” He stopped abruptly, for Meynell had raised his hand suddenly as if to ward off a descend- ing blow. ‘‘ Suppose we leave names out for the present?” he asked, with a quick glance and nod of comprehension. ‘It’s facts we have to settle first. Names aren’t wanted between friends. We'll consider the CONMICMOOOKS. ©