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

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

168 The Missing Rubies. of westerly winds, hardly enough to set the leaves quivering. You must get out fora little walk in the sun. I see you are looking much better.” ‘““T am better,” old Redburn admitted. ‘The air of this place Suits me very well.” “Oh, you are picking up fast; Bendall finds a great improve- ment,” said Colonel Lindrick airily, while Blake carried the tray out of the room and shut the door. ‘‘Not much in the paper, is there ?” , ‘““Not much. Yes, I certainly do feel stronger,” said the old man, returning to the beloved topic of his health. ‘‘I’ve had a good night, and my cough is quieter. As you say, a walk in the sun will do me good. Beatrice must come with me, and we will potter about on the lawn before luncheon.” “Ah, yes, Beatrice 1s a charming companion,” Colonel Lindrick said in his pleasant way. ‘‘ How well she talked last night; has read a great deal, hasn’t she? Do you know, by the way, that Alma made a discovery yesterday ?” ‘What did she discover? Anything to do with Beatrice?” ‘Very much to do with her. Girls never can keep their secrets long from each other, you know; and Alma, poor little woman, is quite concerned. She is afraid she has offended Beatrice by speak- ing slightingly of her lover.” ‘Beatrice has no lover. She is a mere baby.” ‘‘A very fine baby,” said the Colonel, laughing. ‘‘We could not expect her to keep free from danglers. But, seriously, I wish she had engaged herself to a worthier man.” “Engaged herself!” repeated the old man, furiously. ‘ Why wasn’t I told of this sooner? Engaged! What could that Milton woman have been doing ?” “Don’t be angry, Redburn,” his friend said soothingly. “It is right, of course, that you should know all about the affair. Alma told me everything last night. She is very fond of Beatrice, and really anxious for her good.” “Begin at the beginning, Lindrick,” cried Redburn impatiently. ‘Tn the first place, let me know who the manis? And how did he cross her path.” “TI can answer the first question, but not the second. The man is an old lover of my daughter’s. At my request, she dropped him altogether last year. His name is Earle—Godwin Earle—nephew of the old ladies in Meadow House.” ‘“And, after being dropped by your daughter, he comes sneaking up to Beatrice, does he? What do you know about him ?” ‘“T don’t want to injure him,” replied the Colonel, in a reluc- tant tone; “but it is only fair to tell you why I made Alma cut him. She is a sensible girl, and gave me no trouble in the matter.” CONNIEOOOKS (E©@)