A Silver Brand — page 140: what you’re looking at

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

132 _ A SILVER BRAND. and dangerous, and intricate for me to rush upon it hastily. Remember that I am agreeing to turn about in my path, to disobey my father’s dying command, to de- ceive my friends, to cheat and elude Theodosia’s vigilance.” “But also to do right and to save Lina,” said Nat, com- passionately. ‘‘I see now how very hard it must be for you.” ‘“‘T am used to hard things—that is a fortunate circum- stance,” replied Penelope, bitterly, ‘‘and I have a proud and haughty spirit. Stiff-necked and rebellious, Theo- dosia calls me. It may be she isright. And yet, if only she had been gentle and compassionate, and forbearing with me, Heaven knows it might have saved me from much suffering, and some wrong-doing. Alack! alack! why do I talk of these things? Where is Lina and—the girl? I came authorized by Paul to invite this Serena and-* her grandmother to come and live in our house. He sees that Lina must be kept contented, and if this girl’s com- pany will do it, he is willing to submit to it.” “TIT do not believe she will come. Serena has a contented spirit, but an independent one. And then her school would be too far away. Beside, if we arrange to snatch Lina away and hide her from them——” “Hush! Do you see the shadow over there? You would think it a tree or a post; but I have noticed that it takes nearer and nearer position. It is Paul, my brother. Where is Lina, and this girl? He must find me talking with them instead of you.” “Lina went down to the boat-landing. How still they are! It seems to me we should hear them talking. Let us go down and see.” He led the way, almost before the last word was spoken, and together they walked down the rough, uneven foot- path round the point, a huge, projecting boulder, which concealed the landing-place from their observation. The moonlight lay on the water like abroad flood of silver, the sandy ribbon of beach glistened white and smooth free from any animate object. Only ‘the pulsing throb of the beating waves broke the placid stillness. Nat stared out upon the broad expanse of water. ‘Afar off, with slender spars looking like spider threads against the sky, a schooner was rocking at anchor- age. Over on the main shore a few lights twinkled from the scattered houses within view. Above the full moon rode radiantly paling the watchful stars. But sign of boat or maidens there was none. | com A books.co