The Argosy — page 261: what you’re looking at

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

244 The Missing Rubies. Were ever fetters better loved than hers? And could all the treasures in the world ever compensate her for those golden love- links that a cruel hand had broken? To the very last day of her life she would never forget the agony of that morning hour. Godwin, when he wrote the letter, had been thinking more of his own pain than hers. He had been lashed and stung by the old man’s insulting words, until the despair of the past had seized him in its grip again. What hope was there for him in the world? If ever he strove to enter the forbidden realm of happi- ness, there was a terrible “‘ dweller on the threshold,” pitiless, malig- nant, ready to drive him back. Before Beatrice had got to the last of those miserable lines, her resolution was taken. Her whole nature was up in arms against the remorseless old tyrant who had spoiled the joy of her young life, She was too proud and too strong to be crushed by this sudden woe. Nay, she refused to bear it patiently, as many women of her years would have borne it. Haughty, vigorous, determined, she sprang up from her pillow, and began to make her preparations for hasty departure. With marvellous speed, she collected her various belongings and heaped them into a capacious dress-basket. Only one thing was left out. Mr. Redburn had given her an Indian bracelet of massive gold ; but no power on earth would have moved her to keep a gift of his. The bracelet, in its case, was placed upon the toilet-table, with a brief note addressed to the donor. Another note was addressed to Miss Lindrick. In a few well- chosen words, Beatrice thanked Alma for her kindness, and apolo- gised for this hasty leave-taking. In two lines she explained the reason of her strange flight. The little letter, although hurriedly written, was not incoherent, and was even penned with a steady hand. Her box was locked; a direction-label gummed on the lid; and then she proceeded to put on her travelling costume. Giving one last look round the room, and taking up her hand-bag and sunshade, she went quietly downstairs without encountering anyone, and gained the hall in safety. The house-door had already been unbolted by the servants, but not one of them was to be seen. A sweet, fresh breath of morning met her with a kiss of welcome as she stepped out into the open. The sound of her own footsteps on the gravelled drive made her once or twice believe that she heard someone coming; and she stopped to listen. But not a single human being was in sight. “The end of the avenue was gained at last, and she found herself outside the gates, and in the high road. It was a cloudless day; leaves were whispering in a soft breeze; birds sang joyously; the universal sweetness of fields and blossoms filled the air. She COMIC OOOKS. GO