The Argosy — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

12 Lady Grace. It had turned pale to seriousness. ‘*T do not quite understand,” he said. “No? It means that you are appointed to Great Whitton.” ‘ How can I ever sufficiently thank Lord Avon ?” he breathed forth. ‘Now, is not the knowing that worth something P” laughed she. Oh, Lady Grace! It is worth far more than anything I have to give in return. But—it is nota jest, is it? Can it be really true?” “A jest! Is that likely? You will be publicly appointed in a day or two, and will, of course, hear from my brother. I am not acquainted, myself, with the formal routine of these things. Mamma is rejoicing : she would rather have you here than anyone.” ‘Lady Avon is too kind,” he murmured, abstractedly. ‘And what do you think mamma said? Shall I tell you? ‘Mr. Baumgarten can marry now.’ Those were her words.” Grace spoke with sweet sauciness, secure in the fact that he could not divine her feelings for him—although she believed in his love for her. His answer surprised her. “Yes, I can marry now,” he assented, still half lost in his own thoughts. ‘‘I shall do so—soon. I have only waited until some preferment should justify it.” ‘Vou are a bold man, Mr. Baumgarten, to make so sure of the lady’s consent. Have you asked it ? ” ‘No; where was the use, until I could speak to some purpose P But she has detected my wishes, I am sure of that: and there is no coquetry in Edith.” “ Edith !” almost shrieked Lady Grace. ‘“ I beg your pardon: I shall not fall.” ‘What have you done? You have hurt yourself!” They had been walking close to the miniature rocks, and she had seemed to stumble over a projecting corner. ‘“T gave my anklea twist. The pain was sharp,” she moaned. ‘Pray lean on me, Lady Grace; pray let me support you: you are as white as death.” He wound his arms gently round her, and laid her pallid face upon his shoulder: he thought she was going to faint. For one single moment she yielded to the fascination of the beloved resting-place. Oh! that it could be hers for ever! She shivered, raised her head, and drew away from him. “Thank you,” she said, faintly ; ‘‘the anguish has passed. I must go indoors now.” Mr. Baumgarten held out his arm, but she did not take it, walking alone with rapid steps towards the house. At the entrance of the glass doors she turned to him. ‘“‘T will wish you good evening now.” He held out his hand, but she did not appear to see it. She ran in, and he turned away to depart, thinking she must be in great pain. Lady Grace shut herself in the drawing-room. For a few moments CORnICLOOKS (CO) im | | | | ) |