The Argosy — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

The Village Blacksmith. 5 motives, I am sure it would make a favourable impression on the Bishop.” *‘ TIsn’t daily service just a little extreme? Isn’t it the thin end of the wedge? Otherwise, if you wish it, of course I will have it.” 1 do wish it. You might announce it this evening, Ryot, dear,” drawing one of her husband’s hands into her own, with a caressing movement. “Yes, dear, certainly. What time is it to be?” replied the Rector, yielding to the caress and the request. * At eight o’clock in the morning; then it does not interfere with the arrangements for the day; and it does away with any need for family prayers, as the servants can take it in turns to attend the service.” So that evening Mr. Ryot-Tempest wore the short surplice, and gave out that for the future there would be daily prayer at eight o’clock every morning ; but when he went into the vestry to don his Dlack gown, before mounting the pulpit, that ancient vestment had disappeared, and, nolens volens, he preached in his surplice. And Mrs. Ryot-Tempest went to bed feeling she had done a very good day’s work. She had abolished the black gown, reformed the surplice, and instituted daily service at a stroke. But wasn’t it just a little odd that since she valued daily service so much she made no attempt to attend it, but did her church-going by proxy ; religiously sending her maid every morning, much to that damsel’s indignation. There were other matters that needed reforming in the church, but Mrs. Ryot-Tempest rested on her oars for a little while, and turned her attention to domestic reforms. Elated with her success with her husband, she began on Monday morning to reform Vera. But here she had reckoned without her host, as the sequel proved. Vera had always been in the habit, when at home, of riding without a groom. It was not correct, but she was so well known in the neighbourhood that she did not think it mattered. Moreover, her dislike to Mark Brown prevented her from allowing him to accompany her. On this Monday morning, however, her horse was brought to the door by Mark, and Vera was preparing to mount, when her step- mother appeared on the scene. ‘“Why, Vera! is your father going to ride with you?” she asked, knowing perfectly well he was not. “Oh, no; I always ride alone,” said Vera. “But you can’t do so now; Mark must go with you, Mark, saddle the brown cob, and remember for the future Miss Vera will always want you to accompany her.” ‘Excuse me, but nothing would induce me to ride out with Mark behind me. If he goes I shall remain at home,” said Vera, stroking her horse’s nose, as Mark disappeared to obey his new mistress’s instructions. CoOnnicoookKs (FO) mn