The Argosy — page 341: what you’re looking at

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

320 A Guide from Dreamland. her until now. Moved by some irresistible impulse, she hastened towards it and hurried past the gaily-lighted shops without giving them a look. Her little head was strangely excited, and she could mot have said what feeling impelled her onward. First to the left, then to the right, on she walked, recognising the streets as she went along. ‘To the right again and then to the left, the little one hurried on, till she stood before a large and handsome road. She knew it well, and her heart gave a great throb. She did not know what to think ; she only knew one thing, and that was to her as clear as daylight: this was the road where her dream had ended, and—yonder in the distance—the corner house! Yes, there the beautiful lady had stepped from her carriage, there she had taken her by the hand, and there the dream had ended so suddenly, so unexpectedly. : As she ran, she heard the waltzes, the polkas and the gay laughter wafted on the air from the houses. But she took no notice of them this time, but ran on, the evening breeze tossing about her golden curls as she went. Yes, there it was! The same happy, bright-looking house, the blinds still up, the rosy light giving a cheerful air to the surroundings and casting a shimmer of pink on the large busts on the brackets. The curtains seemed to hang in the very same folds as when she had seen them in fancy. | Suddenly she saw a servant, in a neat black dress and spotless apron, enter the room ; and then the blind was slowly drawn down and the pictures and busts and the red light disappeared from her view. Still she stood there, regretfully gazing at the dark window, and as she gazed, she heard behind her the sound of carriage-wheels. Up dashed a beautifully appointed landau and stopped before the house. Two splendid greys stood pawing the ground and tossing their hand- some heads; the footman in quiet livery alighted and opened the door, and Daisy’s bewildered eyes beheld the lady in the black velvet robe stepping majestically out of the carriage. But she was not alone. Behind her alighted another lady, smaller and of a slighter Ouild ; still, from a certain likeness in the features, it was easy to guess that they were sisters. Daisy’s heart beat fast as the two ladies passed her. If they would only notice her! Ifshe could only get one smile from those kind, sweet faces! As the thought crossed her mind, she sighed aloud ; the smaller lady turned and saw her. A flash of admiration passed through her eyes, and she seized her companion by the arm : ‘* Look, Eva, what a sweet face! Such an one as you want for your group! Quite a poor child, too.” The other lady stopped and looked at Daisy: a kind, gentle look. “Yes, Mildred, you are right ; she would do well. But she may have parents who would not be willing to let her come and sit for me. What is your name, little one?” ECORNIECLIOO KS, EO) m