The Argosy — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

The House of Halliwell. 15 CHAPTER III. § THE END OF THE DAY. THE day went on to evening. At half-past eight, the servant came in to lay the cloth for supper, that things might be in readiness for the Major and the oysters. Mary, of course, was in bed, and Lucy also went, for she had a bad headache, to which she was subject. Alfred had been out fishing, and was spending the evening at the house of one of his companions. ‘‘What time do you say the coach gets in here?” demanded Aunt Copp. “At a quarter to nine. And it never varies five minutes,” said Mrs. Halliwell. ‘‘ The Harkaway is the fastest coach we have, and the most regular. Of course, excepting the mail.” “Tt may be a little behind to-night, ma’am,” remarked John, “as it will have a heavy load. So many folks will be a-coming down to the fair.” “T suppose they will,” answered his mistress. “T was with you here at fair-time four years ago,” observed Mrs. Copp, “and left the following day. Do you remember it?” “Yes,” said Mrs. Halliwell. ‘‘ And poor little Frederick got the ring of a penny candlestick on his finger, and could not get it off again. Do you know, ‘Rebecca, that finger was bad for four or five weeks. The ring had cut into the flesh, and I suppose, poisoned it. I cannot think why they persist in holding this fair every September at Seaford. Little or no business is done at it, and it is only a resort for the idle. They have talked of doing away with it.” ‘““ Doing away with the fair, mamma!” exclaimed Hester. ‘‘ I hope not. What would become of our prospect of fairings ? ” The time went on to nine, and the Major had not arrived, and it went on again till half-past. ‘“* How late it will be for supper!” exclaimed Aunt Copp. ‘ Tis- pecially if we wait for the oysters to be opened.” “{ think it will be better to take our supper at once of the cold beef, and not have the oysters till to-morrow.” “Decidedly best,” said Aunt Copp. “Tl ring for John to draw the ale.” John brought it in, and they sat down to supper. ‘ Where’s Hester, I wonder ?” cried Mrs. Halliwell. ‘“She’s standing at the hall door, ma’am,” said John. ** Call her.” He went out and came back again. ‘‘ Miss Hester says she don’t want any supper, ma’am._ I think she’s listening for the coach.” “Rebecca,” said Mrs. Halliwell, as the man left the room, “ you have frightened Hester.” ECOMMICOOOKS.EO©