The Argosy — page 257: what you’re looking at

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

240 The Missing Rubies. ‘‘T am afraid he won’t,” she replied, with evident sincerity. ‘Was he not very angry when you made that speech?” Alma asked. ‘“No; he suddenly cooled down, and told me he could not so easily resign his adopted daughter. Then he added something about having excited himself, and said he should not see me at luncheon.” There was a brief silence. Colonel Lindrick, who was really puzzled, handed Beatrice a cup of tea, with an absent air which was unusual in him. ‘“T can’t imagine what can have made Redburn start off to town,” he said gravely. ‘‘ He has taken Blake with him, but he means to return to-night. It is enough to kill him.” ‘T thought he always told you all his plans,” Beatrice remarked. ‘‘ Tt seems strange that he has not confided in you to-day.” ‘Very strange. I hope he may not be going a little wrong in his head.” ‘Tt is my belief that he is,” said “Alma, pouring out tea for her- self. ‘‘ People with those violent tempers often drive themselves mad. He looked very odd, papa, when he asked you to order the carriage.” ‘He cut me short when I began to remonstrate,” observed the Colonel, rising and slowly pacing the room. ‘‘He was evidently determined to carry out his whim, whatever it was.” After taking a few more turns, he quitted the room, and the two women were left to themselves. In Alma’s mind there were no longer any bitter thoughts of Beatrice. Her jealousy had never been avery strong feeling, and it was now thoroughly overcome. ‘This girl, she thought, was a romantic fool, who could only be made happy in one way. ‘© T wish I could make things pleasanter for you, my dear child,” she said kindly. ‘‘ But everything here seems to conspire against your happiness in the most extraordinary way. I really am afraid you will never get on with Mr, Redburn.” Beatrice, leaning back in her chair, gave a weary little sigh. ‘© T never shall,” she answered simply. ‘‘ He will have to let me take my own course. I am sure you mean to be kind, Miss Lindrick, but you cannot perhaps quite realise " She paused and blushed. ‘T do realise everything now,” Alma said, with the utmost gentle- ness. ‘At first Iown I did not. But I have thought the matter over, and I am sure you are quite right to listen to the voice of your own heart.” “Tt is kind of you to say this,” Beatrice answered warmly. ‘‘T am not naturally romantic,” Alma went on. ‘“ And perhaps I am more swayed by worldly considerations than you could ever be. Yet I think it is very charming to see such devotion as yours. I hope Godwin will do his best to deserve it all ; and, indeed, I dare say he will. You have my best wishes for your own happiness and his.” COMIC OOOKS.E©