The Argosy — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

The Night Boat from Boulogne. 43. ‘‘We shall have a bad crossing,” said Janet; ‘‘ but the boats are rood.” ° “Ves. Iam going at night because it is cheaper, and my husband will meet me at Dover.” “Then you do not cross by Boulogne ?” “No. I was told to go to Calais.” Janet felt sorry ; she hiked the woman, and felt that she and her children were a protection. ‘Then, intensely wearied out, she dozed a little till the train stopped and the tickets were examined. ‘““Madame goes on to Calais ?” asked the official. “No; to Boulogne for the night service. There is a boat, surely?” “Yes, there is a boat.” Janet looked out at the driving rain and felt miserable. What had she undertaken ? And suppose she were mistaken? Besides, what could she do? At last *“‘ Boulogne” was called out, and stiff and cold she jumped out. Everything here looked dull and miserable enough ; her carriage was at the end of the train, and, though she looked about for the traveller, she saw no one. It was cold and windy, and still the rain, came down mercilessly. Giving up her ticket, Janet ventured to say to the collector: “There is a night service here? I am going by it.” The man looked at her ticket and replied : ““’There’s an omnibus going to the quay. Madame will go down im it, as 1t rains ?” “Yes; certainly. Is there no other passenger by this train?” ‘No other lady got down. <A gentleman has gone on; do you want him ?” “Oh, no; I am alone.” And Janet hurried to the omnibus, feeling utterly forlorn. What were they waiting for? She thought she would be late and asked the question. “Oh, there is another train in twenty minutes; we are waiting for that.” And Janet waited too, being able to do nothing else. She was happy, however, for now she knew that man had got out here. Twenty minutes seemed like twenty years. A little bustle followed the arrival of the next train, but no passengers appeared, and without showing any great haste the coachman got on the box, the other man on the step peered into the darkness which shrouded poor Janet, and then the vehicle rattled off down the long quay. It was nearly. midnight ; darkness relieved by only a few stray lights making dark- ness more horrible ; and still the wind and rain made a melancholy accompaniment. Janet had fancied herself brave, but now she shuddered; the whole episode was so strange, and she seemed to be the only lady GomiilGaooks am