The Argosy — page 47: what you’re looking at

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

34 The Results of a Hunt Week. Mr. Seaton glared at the offender a moment and mumbled some- thing about age having been held in more reverence when he was oung. : ig Behold the proof that you and age are not associated together,” said Charley insinuatingly ; and then with sufficient heartiness: ‘‘I am really very sorry I did it, and shall take it very kindly if you will forgive me.” Straightforwardness was not without its charms for Mr. Seaton, who was himself strictly upright according to his lights. ‘Say no more of it,” he said. ‘‘ Whatever my age may be, yours can serve as an apology.” And if the acquittal had its damper for Master Charley’s vanity, he had the sense to welcome it with cordial thanks. ‘A foolish matter wisely and kindly condoned,” said Lord Heliotrope approvingly, with assenting murmurs from all around; while Mrs. Prideaux-Power went on: “That's right, Mr. Seaton ; and now we are all straight again.” ‘‘T understood Mr. Byce was solely concerned in the matter,” said Mr. Seaton, not without a grim ambiguity, as he moved away. “He was,” said the lady; ‘only perhaps I might have interfered more decidedly, had it seemed worth while.” Then, unable to resist giving a Roland for his Oliver, she added: ‘‘' Take care, or you may get a worse jest played on you than that.” | At a distant corner of the room, Agatha Ffoulkes had been seated during this joust of pleasantry, giving ear to Rick Pontifex, who could think of little but to-morrow’s escapade. Godfrey had taken note of the prolonged talk and the animated faces of the couple from first to last, and it did not tend to make him tolerant over the bracelet business. “JT am really vexed I annoyed the poor old soul,” said Byce to him, sotto voce. ‘And so you ought to be, and ashamed to boot,” rejoined Ted aloud, and with indignation in the protest; and was quite unaware that Mr. Seaton had heard his words, not without a twitch of satis- faction. ‘Of course, I can secure the express stopping while you get out,” Rick was saying ; ‘‘it is only a question of a second. You say you have no maid luckily, so I will tell you how we will manage the rest.” Agatha had been repeating the difficulties that stood in the way of her attendance at the wedding. ‘T undertake a messenger from the Rectory shall meet you as you drive down with a note. You will say you are wanted at the Rectory and get out; send them on to the station with your luggage, and bid them tell Mrs. Prideaux-Power, when they get home, that you had been unexpectedly detained, but would follow your property by express, All that will wash, I think ?” CORNICE OOOMKS a0)