Page:Foggerty.djvu/54

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
50
An Elixir of Love.

Gay, “that the Countesses won't like it.” And little Jessie gave a sigh, and owned that she expected some difficulty with the Countesses. “We must look these things in the face, Jessie, it won't do to ignore them. We have convinced the humble mechanics and artisans, but the aristocracy hold aloof.”

“The working-man is the true Intelligence after all,” said Jessie.

“He is a noble creature when he is quite sober,” said Gay. “God bless him.”

Stanley Gay and Jessie were in this frame of mind when they came across Baylis and Culpepper's advertisement in the Connubial Chronicle.

“My dear Jessie,” said Gay, “I see a way out of our difficulty.”

And dear little Jessie's face beamed with hope.

“These Love Philtres that Baylis and Culpepper advertise—they are very cheap indeed, and if we may judge by the testimonials, they are very effective. Listen, darling.”

And Stanley Gay read as follows:—

“From the Earl of Market Harborough. 'I am a hideous old man of eighty, and everyone avoided me. I took a family bottle of your philtre, immediately on my accession to the title and estates a fortnight ago, and I can't keep the young women off. Please send me a pipe of it to lay down.'”

“From Amelia Orange Blossom.—'I am a very pretty girl of fifteen. For upwards of fourteen years past I have been without a definitely declared admirer. I took a large bottle of your philtre yesterday, and within