The Argosy — page 287: what you’re looking at

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

266 The House of Halliwell. An Indian letter, now and then, from Mrs. Pepper, and a flying visit from Aunt Copp, were the only variations. Mrs. Halliwell, Hester and Lucy were alone, Mary being then at a finishing school. The new Vicar, Mr. Williams, was a young man, and they became very intimate with his wife. One day in the late spring, Mrs. Halliwell, who was reading a letter just received from Alfred, appeared to fall into a reverie, now musing, now referring to the letter. ‘¢What are you puzzled about, mamma?” asked Lucy. “T am not puzzled, child, but I was thinking.” “Of what?” ‘That it is unkind of us, as Alfred says, to suffer him to be there so long alone.” ‘When Alfred left, you promised him that you would go yourself, mamma,” returned Lucy. “Ay,” she answered, in a somewhat curious tone, “‘ I did say so, but I must visit by deputy. Children, I think you must have noticed that I am breaking fast.” “Breaking, mamma!” almost merrily exclaimed Lucy; “‘ you are only two or three and fifty. People don’t break till they are seventy.” ‘Painful disorders—and incurable—come on at all ages, Lucy.” ‘But you have none,” was Lucy’s answer. ‘‘ You look as well as ever, and your colour is as bright.” Hester, however, sat in awe- struck silence, looking at her mother. ‘My dears,” said Mrs. Halliwell, “‘I am not well. I have known it some time.” Hester rose and approached her mother. ‘‘ Dearest mamma,” she said, in low tones, which she compelled to calmness, “if you have reason to suspect that anything is the matter with you, let us know it. What,” she added, in a quicker tone, as a recollection suddenly came over her, “what did Mr. Davis want here yesterday? Was it only a call? I thought it was.” ‘I sent privately for him, Hester,” returned Mrs. Halliwell. “Oh, mamma!” interrupted Lucy, bursting into tears, for she was very excitable, “tell us what it is.” “Tf you will not be foolish, I will tell you. Indeed it is nothing to be alarmed at. I may live many years. Hester, you are looking frightened also. I did not mean to alarm you, only to give you a reason for my not going out visiting. I suppose I have introduced my subject too abruptly.” “Mamma,” said Hester, but very quietly, “you are keeping us in suspense.” ‘Children, I have heart complaint. I have long thought that this fluttering which comes on, and this difficulty of breathing, with other symptoms, must have something to do with the heart. I sent yesterday for Mr. Davis, and he confirms my opinion.” Eomichbooks.co