A Silver Brand — page 101: what you’re looking at

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

ey - Pee | A SILVER BRAND. 98 but as Serena turned toward her with one of her sweet, calm smiles, the woman gave a sudden start. _It was over in an instant, and she looked away hastily. “Tam afraid I cannot ask her to-day, Lina. I am anxious for you to.return with me at once. -You know they have reason to be angry with you at the house if they discover your absence. Come back before Theodosia is aware of it.” “Tam not afraid of Aunt Theodosia,” said Lina, haughtily, her eye flashing. “I deny her right, or | that of any one else, to imprison me against my will. And I want to see Serena.” “Enter a moment, madam, I pray you,” entreated Nat. “Perhaps a little frank consultation may brighten the matter.” Half mechanically, Penelope obeyed, and she dropped heavily into the chair he set for her. Lina went back to-‘Serena, and clasped her arms around her, looking beautiful in her rebellion, with her hot cheeks and flashing eyes. “It is so cruel to deny me the friendship of the only girl I know,” she repeated, indignantly. “It is a very little thing I ask, the privilege of coming here to meet her, if you will not invite her there. I cannot be happy without Serena. She is the best solace and comfort of my dreary life.” Penelope put one hand to her side as if some sharp pang assailed her there, and her voice was hollow as she spoke. “You have grown very suddenly into this friend- ship, Lina. It is something I have scarcely dreamed about. I do not think you understand just how cruel your words appear. Do you mean that it is more and dearer than poor Auntie Pen’s long-tried affection? That you demand her before all other ties that have bound you for so many years?” Lina’s quick, impulsive heart was touched by the anguish so feebly hidden by that forcedly calm voice. She sprang forward to catch Penelope’s hand, and showered it with mingling tears and kisses. “No, no, Auntie Pen, I don’t mean that my love Eomicboo cS com