The Argosy — page 256: what you’re looking at

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

The ‘Missing Rubtes. 239 ‘We were afraid that Mr. Redburn upset you very much this morning.” “He has upset himself,” said Colonel Lindrick, with a seriousness that was real enough. ‘If he goes on in this way I don’t believe he will live through the year. In his state of health a hurried journey to town is simply madness!” “ A journey to town,” cried Beatrice. ‘‘Why has he gone to town?” “Did you not know?” said Alma, quickly. ‘“ Did you not see him drive off in the carriage at half-past two ?” ‘¢T saw and heard nothing ; I have been soundly asleep for hours. But what can have taken him so suddenly to town ?” “ Did he say anything this morning about law-business ?” asked the Colonel quietly. ‘‘ Was there no hint of this journey ? ” “Nothing at all was said about business. We had a most un- pleasant talk, and both lost our tempers. If,” added Beatrice, haughtily, ‘‘he has gone to make a fresh will in which my name is not mentioned, I shall be unfeignedly thankful.” ‘My dear young lady, I hope you did not make that remark in his presence,” said the Colonel, in a tone of kind remonstrance. ‘You must not be so ipete OBS, you know. You must have more regard for your own interests.” Alma was watching her 7 Beatrice met her glance with a cold smile. ‘My conversation with Miss Lindrick yesterday has been repeated to Mr. Redburn,” she said. “He did not know I was engaged to Godwin Earle, and the news has made him quite furious.” Alma coloured slightly. “If I have made mischief, I am very sorry,” she declared. “I did mention our conversation to papa, I admit.” ‘“ And I mentioned it to Redburn,” confessed Colonel Lindrick frankly. ‘I did not know, however, that he was unacquainted with the fact of your engagement, Miss Ward. I, too, am sorry if I have made mischief.” “TIT have refused to give up Godwin Earle at Mr. Redburn’s bid- ding,” said Beatrice, in a steady voice. ‘I do not acknowledge his right to issue commands tome. And I have told him—plainly told him—that I wished he would find some other oe who would be more grateful for his benefits.” CHAPTER XX: WHY MR. REDBURN WENT TO LONDON. ALMA looked at her father—he was looking at Beatrice, with an expression half of pity, half of admiration. “You have been very, very unwise, Miss Ward,” he said, shaking his head, ‘'I am afraid Redburn will take you at your word.” CcommicoooKks (SO)