The Argosy — page 260: what you’re looking at

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

The Missing Rubves. 243 Nothing,” returned Alma, looking at the old man with a smile. “Only, I think you ought to get some rest. Doctor Bendall, you know, is coming to see you to-morrow. Do not let him find you looking any the worse for your journey.” Mr. Redburn was touched by her thoughtful care for his health. He said good-night to her with marked cordiality, and went away to his room, attended, as usual, by the faithful Blake. Well?” said the Colonel, looking ruefully at his daughter. ‘I don’t think our chance is as good as it was. ‘This is an unlucky move for us.” ‘ Perhaps not,” Alma answered. ‘ My belief is that he will stir up Beatrice’s undying hatred. I shall not be surprised if she refuses ever to see him again.” “But if Earle really does give her up ——” She will not be given up.” Alma laughed a little. ‘‘ Don’t be astonished if she does not appear at breakfast to-morrow.” ‘What do you suppose she will do? By George, Alma, you don’t fancy that she may put an end to herself ?” “No.” Alma laughed again. ‘‘ But I am firmly persuaded that she will run away.” CHAPTER XXI. RUNNING AWAY, BEATRICE slept soundly all night, and woke feeling refreshed and strengthened. The first post, she thought, would be sure to bring her a letter from Godwin. She would never repeat to him any of those cruel things that Mr. Redburn had said. JBut she must tell him frankly that she had tried to bear with the old man’s domi- neering temper, and had failed. For a little while she lay watching the sunbeams sliding through the closed blinds, and scattering golden lights here and there. And then came the maid’s morning knock at the door. There was the expected letter in the salver. At the sight of the beloved handwriting her heart gave a throb of joy. The servant drew up the blinds, and let a flood of sunshine into the room. What a bright summer world was waiting for her out-of-doors to-day ! She opened her letter in a leisurely way, dallying with the pleasure that was in store for her. The address was not written quite so firmly as usual. Godwin’s clear caligraphy had won a good deal of praise from Mr. Corder and the Miltons, and Beatrice was justly proud of it. Before she had read two lines, the whole truth burst: upon her mind in a sudden storm of anguish. As in a lightning flash, she saw the reason of Mr. Redburn’s hurried journey to town. He had gone to see Godwin, and wring from him a promise to set her free. Free! GOMIGIOO (7) eS (GO) an