The Argosy — page 160: what you’re looking at

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

Roy’s Good Samaritan. I45 ‘Mrs. Beaudesert,” announced a garcon, throwing open the door before Colonel Pierrepoint had time to answer, if, indeed, he had intended answering at all. If Geoffrey Pierrepoint had made any mental picture for himself of poor Roy’s good Samaritan it was quickly blotted out by the original, as ideals often are. There entered a stately figure in trailing sable robes whose very severe simplicity had a grace of their own. Two hands enfolded Lady Lucy’s, and then as Geoff drew himself up tall and straight, two clear grey eyes met his. In what vague dream had that beautiful face frowned or smiled upon Geoff before? He began to believe then and there in the theory of pre-existence: the eerie feeling of familiar: strangeness deprived him for the moment of his presence of mind. “ Your visits are always apropos, my dear,” Lady Lucy was saying,. but to-day especially so. This is my nephew, Geoffrey, of whom you have heard me speak. Colonel Pierrepoint ; Mrs. Beaudesert. I mean you two to become great friends.” Perhaps it was this rather ill-judged speech, perhaps it was the Colonel’s awkward consciousness of looking ill at ease, and, therefore,, at a disadvantage, perhaps Lady Lucy’s mention of Geoff had been - over-abundant. Whatever the reason, Lady Lucy’s favourite and Lady Lucy’s nephew did not take to each other comfortably. Meetings were naturally unavoidable; and on these occasions each was studiously polite to the other and would put on a semblance of good fellowship which quite deceived Lady Lucy. But both tacitly conspired to defeat her plans for throwing them together. If the Pierrepoints were going to drive and Lady Lucy invited Mrs. Beaudesert to accompany them, she preferred walking that day. Ifa walk was in question—for Lady Lucy attempted more now she had her nephew’s arm to lean upon—Mrs. Beaudesert had arranged to receive friends at home. Geoff wondered that Lady Lucy never saw through her friend’s too transparent excuses. He did: and pride fired. him to second Mrs. Beaudesert’s efforts at avoidance, She usually walked in the morning with some of her friends,. lunched afazt, and rarely honoured the table d’hote with her presence ; but as Geoffrey smoked his cigar in the verandah after dinner he: sometimes perceived the stately figure of his aunt’s friend among the: scattered groups listening to the band. The Honourable Mrs. Beaudesert had many acquaintances among the hotel visitors, all of whom apparently felt themselves honoured by her notice. But the: exclusiveness of the beautiful Englishwoman was so well known that: it was considered rather an event when she chose to show herself in the public rooms. One evening she came sweeping past the dark corner of the verandah where Pierrepoint had ensconced himself to watch the moon glimmering upon the tideless sea. Prince P , an Austrian chargé affaires, was walking with her and doing his utmost to obtain one of VOL, XLVI. L (C(O) COMICHOOKS