The Bronze Statue, or, The Virgin's Kiss — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

/ THE BRONZE STATUE. 9 beckoning one of the pages who waited at|senger journeying on behalf of the Duke table to follow him. of Austria; and, although we have not the Passing a little way down the long pas-| honor to be the subjects of that Prince, it sage, Rodolph entered a small ante-cham- nevertheless behoves us to treat aad enter- ber leading to his own suite of apartments ;| tain the representative of his Highness in and, flinging himself into a large arm-chair, | a fitting manner. How is it, then, that you he said to the page, ‘ Hasten thou to the| have not thought of preparing the State servants’ hall, and bid Hubert, the steward, | Chamber for the use of Sir Ernest de attend upon me here without delay.’ | Colmar ?” The boy bowed and retired; andinafew| ‘ The State Chamber, my lord? repeated minutes an old man, whose hair was white | Hubert, a shudder passing rapidly through with the snows of sixty winters, entered | his frame, and sudden horror glaring in the room. His short, spare figure, was per=| his- eyes: then, instantly composing him- fectly upright; and his step had lost litte | self, he said, ‘ But your lordship only jests of the elasticity of a more youthful age. | with me.’ But his was one of those pale and slightly ‘Tam in nojesting humor,’ answered the wrinkled countenances which furnish but} young nobleman, sternly. ‘’Tis true that avague and uncertain index to the soul;| the State Chamber is in the right wing of for if there were something sinister in the | the Castle; true, also, that the apartments glances of the small, sharp, restless grey | in that portion of the building have been eyes, there was. also a certain benevolence | shut up tor many long years , about the lips; and if the brows were over-| ‘And true, likewise, added Hubert, hanging, and gave a sombre expression to| solemnly, ‘ that your noble father would the upper part of the face, the effect was | never forgive your lordship or myself if we counteracted by the placidity of the old| wereto lodge the Knight there !’ man’s smile. Then, again, his voice was} ‘I am not sure that the Baron would be soft, gentle, and rather melancholy in 'so angry as your words imply, Hubert,’ re- tone; and his manner was agreeable and|turned Rodolph ‘ At all events, I am lord courteous, without being degradingly ser-| and master here during his absence; and vile. | what it suits my will and pleasure to do, ‘Hubert’ said Rodolph, the moment} thai I will perform. Report says that the the steward made his appearance, ‘ you | right wing of the Castle is haunted; but I, are aware that there is a guest at the|for one, put no faith in such idle rumors. Castle ?” However, we will this night clear up tne ‘Is not your lordship satisfied with the| mystery. Accident has thrown im our way ; a gallant warrior, who, being a total stran- cer in these parts, cannot have heard aught of that silly gossip—and, to all appearance, he is a man who will face an evil spirit as readily as a foeman in fair combat. It is my command, therefore, continued the young nobleman, in a stern and imperious voice, * that the State Chamber be pre- pared for his accommodation. If he pass the night unmolested, ‘will not the lie be given to the foul scandal current in regard to the finest portion of this castellated man- sion, which will one day be mine ?—and if it be thus disproved that the right wing is visited by the troubled spirits of the dead, fare which [ ordered to be served up:’ in- quired Hubert, perceiving that there was something peculiar in his young master’s tone and manner. ‘Perfectly satisfied,’ answered Rocolph. ‘ The supper was worthy of the hospitality of Altendorf, and I am anxious that this honored guest should be lodged for the night as handsomely as he has banquetted.’ ‘ Assuredly, my lord,’ responded Hubert, who fancied that he observed something like a lurking satire, if not a sheer malevo- lence, in the looks and words of the noble- man. ‘I have given directions to prepare the Oaken Chamber for this worthy Knight who travels in the service of the great Al-| my father will rejoice at the result of the bert of Austria.’ ordeal, and will throw open those apart- ‘The Oaken Chamber! ejaculated Bo-| ments once more.’ . dolph, affecting to be surprised at the ar-| ‘ My lord,’ said Hubert, ina faint and rangement thus made for the accommoda-| tremulous tone, ‘ I implore you not to take tion of his guest. * How can you think of | this rash—this inconsiderate step! Your such a thing ”’ noble father has doubtless good reason s ‘Js it notthe best apartment now in use,| ‘ To believe the silly tales that gossips my lord ?. said Hubert, more and more sur- | recite !* exclaimed Rodolph, starting angrily prised by his young master’s language and | from his seat. ‘ Then, if it be so, the more manner. | impeériously does it become his son to clear ‘Yes, the best now in use, truly,’ ex-|up th: mystery in his absence. Hubert,’ claimed Rodolph. ‘ But, look you, worthy | added the nobleman, fixing his keen dark Hubert : this Sir Ernest de Colmar isa mes-| eyes menacingly upon the old steward, who | | comicbooks.com