The Argosy — page 292: what you’re looking at

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

The Missing Rubies. 273 Mr. Vordenberg, it was an inspiration that sent me to you to-day! Is the mystery about to be cleared up at last P” She bent towards him, her eyes dilated, one hand outstretched in passionate entreaty, the other pressed upon her heart. He strove at once to calm her. “Tt is about to be cleared up, I verily believe. But you must collect yourself, my dear child, and tell me the whole story as clearly as you can. Later on I will see Earle, and tell him all that I know about the matter.” And Beatrice, conquering all emotion, did relate the tale with calmness and precision, leaving out nothing that Godwin had told her. When she had finished, there was a smile on Vordenberg’s face. His dark eyes were shining with a softer light ; he looked happier than she had seen him yet. “T, too, have begun to believe in presentiments,” he said quietly. ‘‘T have lately had a conviction that you would come to me one day in sore need of aid, and I should be able to help you. Do not yet ask how I have obtained my knowledge of the history of the necklace. But answer me, if you can, just one more question.” | What is it? I will answer anything.” “ Did Earle tell you whether there was a Polish governess living with Madame Gradizoff when the necklace was missed? Did he ever mention the name of Paulina Lorenski?” Beatrice reflected for a few moments. “No,” she replied at last. ‘‘ If he had ever mentioned that name I am sure I should have remembered it. He has talked to me often about his two unmarried aunts. But he did not care to speak much of the Countess Gradizoff, or of anything that concerned her. He seemed to dislike the very sound of her name.” “That was natural enough,” remarked Vordenberg, in his tranquil tone. ‘‘ And now, my child, I have no more to say on this subject to-day. Let your mind be at rest; go and tell your friend that you have seen a glimpse of light. As for me, I am going to call on Earle. Will you tell me where he lives ?” Beatrice joyfully gave the number of the house in which her lover was still living. “T hope you will find him at home!” she said, anxiously. ‘““Do not be uneasy,” he answered. ‘I shall see him, never fear.” He went with her to the door of the room, held her hand in a warm clasp for a second, and let her depart. | A few moments later, Harriet, waking from rather a long nap, opened her eyes to see Beatrice standing, and smiling on her. What change had passed over the girl? She was so different; so happy and beautiful. Mrs. Milton began a string of eager questions. Where had she been? Had she seen anyone? Or heard anything P “IT have seen no one but Mr. Vordenberg,” she answered,” and he COM (>) [email protected]€O