The Argosy — page 275: what you’re looking at

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

254 The Story of Charles Strange. who brought her back to the Terrace. Hatch had been wise. In the afternoon we all went for a drive in a fly, and returned to dinner. And the following day Mrs. Brightman with her servants departed for London in her travelling carriage, no scandal whatever having been caused at the Queen’s Hotel. I went up by train early in the morn- ing. It is surprising how much thinking upon a problem simplifies it. I began to see by degrees that Annabel’s coming to Essex Street could be easily managed ; nay, that it would be for the best. Miss Brightman strongly advocated it. At present a large portion of my income had to be paid over to Mrs. Brightman in accordance with her husband’s will, so that I could not do as I would, and must study economy. Annabel would be rich in time; for Mrs. Brightman’s large income, vested at present in trustees, must eventually descend to Annabel; but that time was not yet. And who knew what expenses Tom Heriot might bring upon me? Changes had to be made in the house. I determined to confine the business rooms to the ground floor; making Miss Methold’s par- lour, which had not been much used since her death, my own private consulting room. The front-room on the first floor would be our drawing-room, the one behind it the dining-room. Leah was in an ecstasy when she heard the news. ‘The workmen were coming in to paint and paper, and then I told her. “ Of course, Mr. Charles, it—is ———” ‘Ts what, Leah ?” ‘© Miss Annabel.” ‘“ Tt should be no one else, Leah. We shall want another servant or two, but you can still be major-domo.” ** Tf my poor master had only lived to see it!” she uttered, with enthusiasm. ‘‘ How happy he would have been! how proud to have her here! Well, well, what turns things take!” CHAPTER XXIX. CONFESSION, OcTOBER came in; and we were married early in the month, the wedding taking place from Mrs. Brightman’s residence, as was of course only right and proper. It was so very quiet a wedding that there is not the least necessity for describing it—and how can a young man be expected to give the particulars of his own? Mr. Sergeant Stillingfar was present ; Lord and Lady Level, now staying in London, drove down for it ; and Captain Chantry gave his niece away. For Mrs. Brightman had chosen to request him to accept her invitation to do so, and to be accompanied by his wife, Lady Grace. Miss Brightman was also present, having travelled up from Hastings the day before. ‘Three or four days later on, she would sail for Madeira. ECORMNIELOOOKS, EO) m