Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 719: October 6, 1877 — John Shaqi
Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 719: October 6, 1877Various
General
Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 719: October 6, 1877
Various
Periodicals
From Copenhagen our tourists returned by Jutland and the Hamburg
railway to Calais; having enjoyed their holiday so much, that Mr Arnold
recommends 'all the lovers of nature to see Norway as well as Seville
before they die.'
THE ADMIRAL'S SECOND WIFE.
CHAPTER I.--SURMISES.
A dreary evening, rain and sleet chasing each other alternately, and
making the streets of the busy town of Seabright dismal as streets can
well be. Yet there must be some fascination in the outdoor scene, or
Katie Grey would not stand so long peering out of the window into the
dim dark night. Presently a carriage comes in sight; splash go the
horses' feet into the deep mud; there is a quick rattle of wheels, a
sudden glitter of white dresses, scarlet cloaks, and brilliant uniforms
through the misty windows, and the vehicle passes rapidly out of sight.
Katie adds up on her fingers: 'That makes the tenth carriage. Everybody
is invited except us. Why--_why_ have we been left out?'
Miss Grey is standing alone in a darkened room. She has turned down the
gas, that she may see without being seen, and she remains hidden in
the shade of the deep crimson curtains. There is a party at Government
House this evening. News has reached her of numerous invitations that
have been issued, and she is mystified and perplexed that neither note
nor card nor message has found its way to her house. Hitherto Katie has
been a favoured guest at the Admiral's. No festive occasion has seemed
complete without her presence. She has sung to Sir Herbert Dillworth,
played for him, talked to him; and he has stood entranced beside the
piano, whispering thanks, that she has interpreted at their full value.
'What can have changed him now?' She has asked herself that question
over and over again; but so far no answer has come to her restless
surmises. Presently a hack cab comes in sight; and instead of driving
past the window, it stops suddenly at her door, deposits its burden,
and goes on its way. Katie distinguishes a flash of gold-lace and hears
the rattle of a sword on the door-steps. Wondering much who can have
come to the wrong house, she starts when a servant throws open the door
and announces 'Captain Reeves.'
Katie comes out from the crimson curtains in much confusion, vexed
at the bare possibility of being suspected of spying at guests more
favoured than herself. With a flushed cheek she turns on the gas and
quickly goes forward to greet her visitor. Captain Reeves is a tall
man, with dark hair, keen dark eyes, and with an unmistakable air
of being on perfectly good terms with himself. He wears full naval
uniform, and has ribbons and clasps on his breast. His first look
at Katie is one of amazement, for he sees she is in her usual home
costume, and is not dressed for the party at Government House.
'What! not ready, Miss Grey!' he exclaims quickly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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