The Argosy — page 145: what you’re looking at

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

130 A Capriccio. There was a moment of ominous silence before Lady Corisande could control herself enough to speak. ‘Tord Everril and Miss Random appear to be friends,” she said, in a high, freezing voice. ‘‘ Perhaps I am intruding ?” Charlie and I shrank guiltily away from each other. I dared not speak or move, and though Charlie strove to look composed and natural, he failed to look otherwise than awkward and abashed; and as she watched us the anger in Lady Corisande’s eyes flashed more and more fiercely. But, to the relief of us all, at this crisis Monsieur le Comte d’Estrées, with a tact that won my everlasting gratitude, came to the rescue, and broke the awkward silence. ‘“ No wonder,” he said, “that Mademoiselle Celie is glad to meet with an old friend, who can bring her tidings of her family. No doubt Lord Everril has lately seen some of her relatives.” “Ves,” said Charlie, quietly ; ‘‘ Miss Rebecca Random is one of my—oldest friends.” Here, indeed, was a pretty kettle of fish ! (To be concluded.) TEARS. THAT sorrow like a frost chilled all my blood, Dried up the sources of my tears, and made My very heart seem hard; in vain I prayed ; I could not move my spirit though I would, And sick of one familiar neighbourhood I hid myself, sought out some quiet shade Wherein to bury youth and hope decayed ; For all my heart despaired of any good, I knew not if the world had hardened me, Or sorrow made me prematurely old, Stricken with helplessness, if not with years ; But suddenly some flash of memory Brought back old days, old dreams, old loves untold— And then, oh then, the blessedness of tears ! GEORGE COTTERELL. CORNIELIOOKS (E(©) m