The Argosy (Volume 53) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1892. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... "I do wish it, very much. It always does me good to hear you read; and poor Miss Carruthers is not here to-day to scowl at you with jealous eyes. I expect to have the Laureate's long looked-for new poem to-morrow. I told Dawson to send me a couple of copies as early as possible, one of which I intend for Miss Margaret Davenant." Tea was served in a dainty service of egg-shell china, much affected by Mrs. Cardale, who averred that only from porcelain of the thinnest and purest could the genuine flavour of the Chinese leaf be educed. They were still sipping their bohea and chatting away on twenty indifferent topics, when the sound of a man's voice downstairs made Mrs. Cardale's cheek flush, and a little cry of pleasure to burst from her lips. "That is Robert's voice " she exclaimed. "He has come back a day before his time." Scarcely were the words out of her mouth when Mr. Bruhn came hastily into the room, and after kissing his sister, turned and greeted Miss Davenant with much cordiality. CHAPTER XIV. MR. BRUHN. Mr. Robert Bruhn, of Helsingham, manufacturer and magistrate, was about forty-two years old; broad-set, well-built and nearly six feet in height; with hair, beard and moustache that, in these latter days, were slightly grizzled. His eyes were large, grey and full of vivacity; and his well-cut, aquiline features had a grim, quiet earnestness about them, that, somehow, put people in mind of the face of an old Crusader or Knight Templar seen somewhere in effigy; for about such faces there is a strange family likeness. In Mr. Bruhn's appearance there was nothing careless or slovenly; his clothes were always well and fashionably made; and he was so carefully groomed and got up, without recourse to artificial means, that he was generally taken to be a much you...