The Argosy — page 50: what you’re looking at

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

The Results of a Hunt Week. 37 Mr. Seaton jerked out the words from whitening lips—misgiving had preceded certainty. ‘Why, I could not see very well, but I fancied it was Rick Pontifex,” stammered the wretched Charley. ‘‘I daresay there were many more in the carriage—one sees nothing across a plat- form. I say, that mare’s paces ———” But feints were useless. Mr. Seaton had staggered backwards against Ted Godfrey’s arm. All was confusion for a few moments. Lord Heliotrope and the young men drew him aside from the crowd, undid his neck-cloth and gave him air. It was nota fit, as they feared, however. He rallied in a few seconds, and waved aside suggestions of remedies as well as palliation or denial of what had been seen. Charley Byce had to recapitulate all he had seen, and amplify as much as possible, and did so in a manner from which all pleasantry had departed. It was the nine o’clock express, and as far as he could see the young people were alone in the carriage. There was a pause. ‘Tt is useless to follow,” Mr. Seaton said with nervous slowness that would fain have passed for composure. ‘‘I must order a fly and go home at once. God grant there has been a marriage. Godfrey, you are an honourable man, will you come with me? It is a favour; but I am getting an old man, and did not know it till this minute.” Over the heavy roads, flanked by the bare hedges where, between the showers, blackbird and robin sang, the carriage swiftly sped. Scarcely a word passed between the inmates, but on seating them- selves Godfrey offered a hand-shake in mute sympathy. Mr. Seaton responded with an agitated grasp, and still, as the milestones were left behind, sat looking ahead, his thoughts almost visibly outflying the horses. Ere the gates of The Keep were reached the laurels and lawns of the Rectory came in view, and Mr. Seaton motioned to Godfrey to stop the carriage. ‘“‘ Get out,” he said hoarsely, ‘‘for I cannot, and see what has taken place.” He sat very erect, a centre of sensations rather than thought, and Godfrey soon returned. “They were married this morning,” he said, with kind brevity ; “the Rector wants you to come in, and I think it will be best, if you can bear it.” What need to give the interview that followed? The pent-up wrath and pain of Mr. Seaton burst forth with scathing violence ; the Rector justified himself firmly and with moderation. But to some passionate natures calm in an adversary is the one unpardonable crime, and Mr, Knight, who was a wise student of human nature, perceived at last that fire to fire, even in form of rebuke, would act better here than soothing and deprecation. If his own blood was up CORNIC OOO <S mm