The Argosy — page 380: what you’re looking at

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

The House of Halliwell. 357 “What booby ?” exclaimed Hester. ‘Your parson.” A deep flush rose to Hester’s face. “No,” she whispered. « Nothing.” “JT hope you never will, for he was not worth it. And some of you ridiculed my cards!” “ Aunt Copp,” broke in Mary, ‘‘ have you told anyone’s fortune lately ?” “ Child,” said Aunt Copp, solemnly, “‘ I have never told one since. I never will again.” «Since when ?” “That time. Before your papa died.” Somehow, that night, Hester could not sleep. Since Mrs. Halli- well grew worse, she had occupied a small bed in her room, and she slipped quietly out of it, and throwing on a dressing-gown, went into the corridor. It was a lovely night. The moon, nearly at the full, was riding, clear and bright, in the dark blue sky, and Hester stood at the window, looking out. She was thinking over many things : | the passage of life seemed dark for their family just then. Her _ mother’s decay, her sister Jane’s sorrow, her brother’s struggles, | Captain Copp’s death, and—it would mix with the rest—doubts of _ the fate of George Archer. Hester’s tears came, and flowed silently. _ “But—God is over all,” she murmured, looking up at the fair _ expanse of sky; ‘‘as He permits it, it must be right.” Suddenly she _ started and listened: was that her mother calling to her in a faint voice? Hester glided silently in again: she was not sure. * Hester—Hester—child—where—are—you ?” “ Dearest mamma, what is the matter? You cannot breathe.” “Tam worse, child;” but there was still a pause between every word. “Do not alarm the house. Call Phoeby only, and let her _ go for Mr. Davis.” Hester did not alarm the house, but she woke them quietly. Phoeby was despatched for Mr. Davis. It was early morning when he came, and in the evening of that same day, Mrs. Halliwell died. “What a mercy that I was here!” ejaculated Aunt Copp. ‘“ My poor girls, I’ll stop with you till after the funeral, and then be off to _ London, get over my business, and come back to you.” “Do not put yourself out of the way to return to us, Aunt Copp,” _ said Hester, for she had a dim idea that they should manage better i without her than with her; but her sorrow was too great just then to dwell upon trifles. Alfred came to the funeral, and Mr. Halliwell of Middlebury. ~The mournful duties were gone through, and the business duties. It had been Mrs. Halliwell’s wish that her daughters should remain in the house for a year after her death, for which she had provided. CORE Oe SS (C(O)