Argosy All-Story Weekly, November 13, 1920 — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

364 one believe in miracles. Cousin John War- ring has his son again, dear Lucia her brother.”’ John added with an inscrutable smile. “ And you, your cousin.” “ Ves—thank you for saying that. And I find your father’s health quite restored. Simmons tells me the heart gives no more uneasiness. How delightful! © However, this is not so miraculous; you were sufficient to effect the cure. With you here, he can never be ill again.” “T don’t believe he can,” John agreed. “T think I’m what the Indians call ‘ good medicine ’—for him, I mean.” “T see. For him; yes.” Glaxton shot him a lightning glance from under his heavy brows. He spoke calmly: “ Simmons tells me Lucia’s engagement to Eugene Ware is broken off. This does not please me. How could it? There is not in the county half so good a match for her. Even before our young men were scattered by the war there was practically nobody but Eugene in Lag- ville. You will not find such another. I fear this wil! mean a lonely, isolated life for your sister.’ John was unable to still a twinge of con- science. The other’s words represented his apprehension on quitting the Ware Dry- Goods Emporium after the fateful inter- view. He stared from the window, frown- ing from the difficult thoughts that per- plexed him whenever Lucia’s marriage was discussed as a possibility. It would have been better for her after years, had he not interfered. : “However,” Glaxton sighed, “ they may reconsider. Let us hope that they will re- consider.” ‘“T shall hope nothing of the sort.” Sud- denly John saw the whole matter in the light of the moonlight streaming over Lucia with her guitar. ‘‘ The thing is settled for all time.”’ Glaxton started back _ theatrically. “What! You objected? You must have had powerful reasons to practically con- demn your sister to a hermit’s life.” “ She'll not be lonesome if I can help it. © We'll be two hermits together.” ‘“But when you go away—” ‘“‘]T shall not go away.” ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY, Glaxton smiled. ‘‘ Do not be too sure of that, my dear cousin. One never knows what may happen.” John darkened. ‘“‘ When it comes to the matter of Lucia’s happiness, it is infinitely more to me than it could be to you, so please let the subject pass. As to my ‘ pow- erful reasons’ against Eugene Ware, I can- not claim all the honor of breaking off the engagement, so we'll not discus§ that either.”’ | ‘“ Quite right, cousin, quite right. I am a little discomfited to find that your father has gone on a journey because I have im- portant matters to communicate to him.” He produced his note-book and said quiet- ly: “ His address, please?” ’ ‘IT do not know it. But if the business is pressing, you might communicate it to me.” | For an instant the other’s brows met ominously, but he was a man of great self- control. He had the manner of carefully suppressing a derisive smile which John found particularly offensive, but when he spoke, his voice was resonant and mild. ‘Truly, the business is pressing. But your father alone could pass upon it authorita- tively. Will he be long absent?” ‘“ He left no word on that point,. but I can answer more definitely about my own movements. I am leaving on the next train, though I expect to be back in two days— to-morrow, if possible.” ‘Of course,” Glaxton suddenly gave his effect of increased darkness, ‘‘I will look after the household while you are away.” Slowly he restored the book to his pocket. ‘“ May I know how to reach you in case of any accident in Lagville?” ‘T’ll be on the move most of my time. Better hold my mail till I get back,’ John smiled easily. “IT see. Quite right. Thank you.” ‘“ Besides, with you here, accidents can- not happen,” John added politely. He add- ed with a show of playfulness: ‘“ If they did, I should certainly hold you to a strict account.” Glaxton did not respond to this pleas- antry. Simmons stopped before the door- way, suit-case in hand. ‘ Take it up to my room, Simmons, and wait there for me.” Eomichoo () <S) (E(o)