The Argosy — page 17: what you’re looking at

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

4. The House of Halliwell. fresh,” replied Mrs. Copp; “‘only I don’t say so before young Sam. We don’t have half the bother at sea that you do on land.” ‘Where have you left the Captain ? ” “With the ship. She wants a deal of overhauling, and of course old Sam must be in the thick of it, or it wouldn’t be him. Six or eight weeks the men will be about it, and the Captain busier than they all the time. Children, I have brought you all a present from China; seven presents have I got in my chest. If it had not been for those presents, I don’t know that I should have dragged the chest here; a regular fight I had with the guard about bringing it.” “There are not seven of them now, Rebecca,” said Major Halli- well, dropping his voice. “No! Where are they then ?” “Two are taken, and one we lost to-day—in a different manner.” “ Bless my heart !” ejaculated Mrs. Copp, the latter part of the sen- tence rendering her oblivious of the former. ‘‘ Lost one to-day! How?” ‘Jane was married this morning.” Aunt Copp’s mouth opened with astonishment, and she looked from one to the other. ‘“‘ Married! Jane Halliwell! Your daughter Jane ?” ‘““ And there’s such a great wedding-cake,” cried Mary. “'Then, Major, I can only think you and Mrs. Halliwell are hoth bereft of your senses. A young thing like Jane! Why, she was in short frocks when I left.” “That is two years ago, Aunt Copp,” interposed Hester. ‘“Jane is young, too young,” sighed Mrs. Halliwell. ‘‘ She was seventeen last week. But the gentleman to whom she was engaged was going out to India, and wished to take her. Had we refused, they might have worn out their lives waiting for each other.” ‘“T should have refused,” said Aunt Copp, positively ; ‘‘and boxed [ane’s ears for thinking of such a thing. I only wish I had been at nome. Who has she married ?” ‘Lieutenant Pepper. <A very delightful young man.” ‘““ Possesses nothing, of course,” growled Aunt Copp, “ but his pay and his regimentals.” ‘““Indeed, he does” laughed the Major; ‘“‘he made a very fair settlement on Jane.” ‘* 1 .don’t-care,” persisted .Aunt Copp. |; “If, he, had, settledame ('alcutta and the Ganges on her, she ought not to have married. Throwing a child like that on Indian society with no one to look aitér her.” ‘““T do not fear for Jane,” said Mrs. Halliwell. ‘‘We did propose tnat they should wait for a year or two, and Mr. Pepper proceed without her ; but he was much against it, and——” ‘To be sure,” interrupted Aunt Copp. “Children are against taking physic, but it’s good for them.” “Tam glad we did not separate them,” said Mrs. Halliwell, EORMNIELOO<S,(E0) an) |