The Argosy — page 141: what you’re looking at

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

124 “ Fohn Smith, Funior.” evening ata grand ball given by one of Dr. Lisle’s most aristocratic patients. Frances found it rather dull. She had danced half through her programme with one uninteresting stranger after another and was beginning to vote the whole affair a bore, when a familiar voice behind her said: ‘‘ What, Miss Lisle !—well I am glad. How do you do? Is Mrs. Lisle here ?” “Ves, and papa too,” she replied, forgetting all her plans of revenge at the first glance from those honest grey eyes, whose every look she was learning to know so well. ‘And have you any dances left? I hope I am not too late. Jack and I have been doing duty at a stupid city dinner.” “T have one or two, I think,” said Frances, feeling for her programme. It could not be found; the cord and pencil were there, but the card had been torn off. ‘‘T must have lost it,” she said, “‘ how very awkward.” “Do you remember to whom you were engaged ? ” “ Not a bit, they were all strangers. I know hardly anyone here.” “Nor do I. I have a happy idea :—when anyone claims you whom you think looks stupid, say you are engaged to me. Do, please, it will be a real act of kindness, as I know no one.” Frances hesitated, but he looked so smiling and friendly that she smiled too ; this he must have taken for consent, for he placed her hand on his arm and walked off with her to the ball-room, where they were just beginning a waltz; saying, as he did so: ‘‘And now I only hope and pray they may be all duffers !” A son of the house, acting as master of the ceremonies, touched him on the shoulder: ‘“‘ Can I introduce you to any partners ?” “Not necessary,” he replied ; “‘my programme is full.” What a change had come over the scene! Surely the lights were brighter, the flowers sweeter, the gay costumes more dazzling, the strains of the band more exhilarating! After the dance he led her to her mother, and stayed by them all the rest of the evening. She danced once or twice with the partners who claimed her promise, because she felt ashamed to refuse one after the other; but he danced with no one else. She asked him at last, why he sat out so persistently. } : “Because I want to enjoy myself thoroughly to-night, ” he replied, and Frances felt her colour come under the glance that accompanied the words. She forgot her jealousy, forgot even her remorse about poor Mr. Fitzhardy, and remembered only that she was happy ; happy as she had never been in all her short young life before. Then, when cloaked and hooded she followed her father and mother to their carriage, he was still there to offer her his arm and whisper “Thank you for a very happy evening.” ‘The hand-clasp which followed was undoubtedly far closer and longer than formality required. A day or two afterwards, Mrs. Lisle took her two eldest daughters Gomicbooks.com