The Argosy, April 1916 — page 50: what you’re looking at

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

40 She set the bowl on the bed, steadied the steaming spoon with her left hand, and fed him with her right. ‘Who made this?” he asked suddenly. “Tt’s great!” “T am surprised at your tactless ques- tion, sir. I made it myself.”’ “Gee whiz! Did you find the stuff in the house?” “No. I bought it—with your money. Mine was stolen.” “Stolen?” “Oh, yes; but that’s a mere bagatelle. The thing is that I am here.” “T should say so. Tell me all about it.” “Not until you have licked the bowl. I am paying high prices for things here— out of your money.” “Tf you say that again I'll jump up and dance this game foot off me. I told you in the Butterfield House that you might have all the money you wanted.” “T remembered, Guardy, and that made me feel free to take it. I’ll send Adolphus after a steak later.” “Ts Adolphus the blond beauty who came in here a while ago?” ‘“YVes. He and his ancient mother live in a small cottage on the creek.” ‘West Canada?” “Oh, I don’t know the West Canada from the East India. I don’t exactly see how a creek, almost big enough to be called a river, in the central part of New York State, comes to bear the name of West Canada Creek.” “Well, name it. ” “No, you would probably have called it Yale River. Do you know that your grand- father was a wise old chap?” “What’s that got to do with West Canada Creek?” “Nothing. But it has a lot to do with the comforts in this house. This isn’t a farmhouse. This is a country villa.” “So?” “Indeed yes. Did it have hot water heating when you were a boy?” “Hot water nothing. I slept in this very room and broke the ice in the pitcher to wash in freezing water during the holidays I spent here.” “Not in the summer vacations.”’ ‘No, no, at Christmas time. In the sum- mer I did my ablutions in the creek.” “TI thought people visited the country only in the summer.” you can search me. i didn’t It is what a Mrs. Jarratt told‘ me. THE ARGOSY. “Next winter—well, it’s almost here— when the snow is three feet deep, and a silver crust has formed, I’ll take you for a sleigh ride under thick fur robes, with a team of horses strung with silver bells, and you will find a pleasure in the country with summer far away.” , “You dear Guardy! Let’s hope we will be able to do that next winter. Here, take this—the last.” He swallowed the final spoonful of the el. She got up-and put the bowl on an old oak dresser, and he watched her graceful form with a mind full of wonder. The mystery of her seemed to deepen with every fresh meeting. And this one, of all unexpected possibilities, was the greatest mystery of all. “Now,” she said, resuming her seat on the bed, and taking one of his hands in hers, ‘“‘I suppose you want to talk.” “TI do not, my dear Beverly. I want you to talk.” A slight flush slowly mounted her cheeks, but her eyes flashed amusement into his. “About you?” “No. I know all about me. Tell me what happened to you. I know some of it. You met some friends or acquaintances and went away from Higby Lane and Third Street with two women in a surrey.” “Is that what they say in Utica?” she asked, her face turning suddenly grave. “I don’t know what they say in Utica. She lives in a farmhouse near a stone quarry.” ~ “I rather think I saw her—at the farm gate. But I had never seen those women before, Guardy—oh, bosh with that Guardy! I must call you Kenneth now, and you must call me Beverly, always. We are married now, you know.” “IT am delighted to hear it. I can’t say that I remember the ceremony. Still, that’s a mere detail. I suppose you took advan- tage of my weakness. I’ll never forgive you, never—if you take back your words.” ‘Listen here, brute man, I’ll take them back when we are out of our difficulties. It’s only make believe to smooth the way. Get it?” “T’ve got you,” he said, squeezing her hand. “Now, now! Let me get through with my adventures. We are not out of the woods yet. I overheard Mr. Raymond, Mr. Greenland, and Mr. Blake talking.” Co 1OOOLK nn) C@