The Argosy — page 202: what you’re looking at

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

The Village Blacksmith. 185 “T feel quite proud of myself to-day. I have been to church, being All Saints’ Day; and I have just taken a wreath up to poor Mr. Jamieson’s grave. I am spared the trial you have to bear, of having your dear one buried in a foreign land, It is such a solace to be able to visit the grave of all one holds dearest whenever one feels inclined.” She was certainly a most charming woman, thought Mr. Ryot Tempest; so full of tender feeling for her lost husband; so deli- cately sympathetic with him in all his sorrow. She seemed to enter _ into all the details with such fine feeling, and she exercised such _ exquisite tact in expressing it. How strange that Vera should be blind to such feminine perfections! Her dislike to Mrs. Jamieson _ could certainly only be attributed to one source—jealousy. “You are looking fagged ; I am afraid you have been doing too | much lately,” said Mrs. Jamieson compassionately. “Not more than usual,” replied Mr. Tempest, as if he were the _ busiest man in the world, instead of a very idle one. ‘‘ But the fact is, | have been very much alone this week.” ‘Ah! that loneliness, how sad itis. I know so well what you | are suffering, my dear friend. How strange it is that the same cross should be laid upon us both, and yet we are so unlike; you the _ learned scholar, I the weak, ignorant woman.” * Not ignorant,” said Mr. Tempest, gloating over the word scholar, ) for nothing pleased him so well as to be thought learned. "Yes, ignorant by comparison with you,” sweetly insisted Mrs. | Jamieson. ‘“‘ But how is Vera?” “Very well, and I think I may add, very happy.” “Ah! the young have the advantage over us elder ones: they _ soon forget.” “The truth is, a gentleman we met while we were at Avranches, } and whose acquaintance we made under somewhat romantic circum- | stances, is now staying in the neighbourhood, and we have seen a _ good deal of him since he came.” “T understand; and would it be a desirable match ?” “Quite so; he isa man of very good family, and that is the first consideration. In point of fact, he is a connection of the Ryots, so | we became intimate very quickly. He is in the —th; has just _ got his company and is home from India for a year on sick-leave. | He is a man of some means, and a very charming, gentlemanly “This is most interesting; I delight in anything in the shape _ Of a love-affair. Do tell me more,” exclaimed Mrs. Jamieson. “There is no more to tell just at present, except that I have felt _ rather de trop lately.” “Ah! lovers are selfish creatures. I am sure it must be very _) donely for you ; you should come and see me oftener. And may I _ ask the name of the hero of this charming little story ?” COnnicoooks im