The Argosy — page 344: what you’re looking at

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

Fair Normandy. 323 here for a day or two’s repose on my way to busier scenes. Had the dragon been here you would not have been admitted. She is my friend, but she is as hard as steel; you could no more turn her than you can turn the tide. But when you pleaded in those dulcet tones” —we bowed low—‘“‘ I had not the heart to refuse you. Where was the harm? We have both enjoyed our little visit and interview, and you have not had your walk in vain. And now you have only time to catch your train for Chartres; and I must dismiss you with my benediction.” Singular woman! Strange, interesting’ character! H. C., who spreads his favours broadcast upon the earth, and, like the Apostles of old, thinks everyone should possess all things in common, would have pressed a substantial remembrance upon her. I saw the gleam of gold flash in the lamplight. J think she understood by intuition his motive, and the largeness of his heart, for she was not offended. ““ Nay,” she remonstrated, with strange yet gentle dignity ; “‘do not mistake me; spare your alms for those who are in need. It was not for that I admitted you. Do not spoil our little interview by thoughts of earthly gain. You betray sympathy in your tone and faces. I see that you are the friends, not the enemies of mankind: let me think of you as two friends to whom I have rendered a small service ; whom perchance in the future I may come across at a time when I shall sorely need it returned. For life is full of strange encounters and coincidences, and greater marvels happen every day than that you and I should meet again. And now, farewell: and in your kindly thoughts, and sometimes in your prayers, remember the name of your guide.” ‘And that name ?” we naturally asked. She paused a moment ; seemed taking counsel with herself, battling with some strange emotion. Then, appearing to take a sudden resolution, she spoke: “Why should I not tell you? There is that in your face I would trust for ever. We are of those who read faces. You are passing away; you will keep my secret. Listen—and wonder.” She stooped and whispered a few words in our ear. Astonishment took possession of us. We felt ourselves turn pale ; a wave of emotion surged through us; we grasped the small and delicate hand that was held out to us, baring our head and bowing low. “ But how ——” we began. “Not a word,” she interrupted ; “not a question. Depart in peace. Do not forget me, or this night. If ever we should meet in the great world, remember that we are friends. Farewell.” We passed away from the presence of this strange and singular being. The door closed behind us, and we were alone with the night. We were as one in a dream. For a time we were both silent. We passed through the Druid-haunted grove, but forgot to look for shades. Our late singular experience and interview—above ECOMICMOOOKS. EO am