The Argosy — page 268: what you’re looking at

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

The Missing Rubves. 251 instant Vordenberg believed that his brain was playing him a strange trick. This girl, who got out unsteadily, and stared round her with bewildered eyes, shining out of a death-pale face—this girl bore an unearthly resembrance to Beatrice! Was it her ghost? Or, if it was indeed her very self, what had they done to her ? As her gaze met his, a gleam of pleasure flashed across the poor white face ; she staggered forward, catching at the arm he extended. “ Mr. Vordenberg,” came in a whisper from the pallid lips. ‘My child!” he said, supporting her tenderly to the house. In the next moment the door was opened with his latch key, and he had placed her gently in a hall chair. Her bag was handed in by the cabman, the fare was paid, and the door closed. Before Harriet could be summoned to her assistance, Beatrice was inaswoon. And Mr. Vordenberg, taking her up in his strong arms, carried her into the sitting-room and laid her on the sofa near the window. ‘Then he withdrew, leaving the women to hover round the helpless girl, and watch eagerly for the first signs of returning life. A flapping handkerchief, steeped in Eau de Cologne, was busy about her face when she came feebly back into the every-day world again. For a few seconds her dazed brain could not take in the familiar surroundings. She was afraid that this was Alma who was bathing her temples, and feared that her flight from Oak Lodge had been only a dream after all. And then, with a faint thrill of joy, she recognised Harriet’s familiar features. They lifted her up tenderly, as if she had been achild. Harriet left her for a moment, and came back with some brandy and water, which she held to her lips, for to her surprise Beatrice found that her hands were so unsteady that she could not hold the glass herself. ‘You must not try to talk yet,” said Mrs, Milton softly. ‘‘ Heaven only knows how glad I am to have you here in safety.” And, fed by those gentle hands, watched by those kind eyes, the girl gradually revived, and lay languidly on the sofa while the sunny day went by. There was a blaze of scarlet geraniums set in the greenery of the little yard; the ivy trailing over the wall seemed fresh and flourishing. Beatrice rested on the couch in silence, and looked at it all. Nothing seemed to interest her very much, as she lay there patiently and wearily. The pain of her own grief had dulled her spirit, and she could hardly gather strength to rejoice in the sense of security | and rest. Vordenberg came many times to the door with whispered enquiries. Harriet sat near the sofa, and could scarcely be induced to leave her charge for a moment. Just before Mr. Milton returned from the City, Beatrice began to show little signs of restlessness, and to start at the slightest noise. Harriet met a wistful look from the sad blue eyes, and ventured to ask a question at last. You are anxious, dear. Is there anything you want to know ?” GOMIG OOO (-) An