A Silver Brand — page 190: what you’re looking at

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

189 eae A SILVER BRAND. ‘ Presently, however, Lina exclaimed, darting one of her — humming-bird kisses at Serena’s lips: “ But what foolish lassies we are. When the dragon has relinquished his vigilance to be wasting the privilege lightly. She said I might go out in the boat with you, Take up your oars this minute, heedless Serena, and row me away—away. Let us play—that there is no limit to our freedom on this glorious night.” ‘ “Glorious, indeed, dear. I am glad my arms are fresh, so that you can have your fill. But we must not go be- yond call. I would not do anything to add to Miss Foss’ dislike of me,” returned Serena. . “Poor Auntie Pen, she is not willingly hard upon me. Oh, Serena, how much I would give to be able to look into her mind and read all the hidden thoughts there. She was strangely agitated to-night. Her hand was as cold as ice when I touched it. (What can it be that she and Mr. Nat will talk about?” : ‘‘Lina, for the principal subject, that much I can safely -assert,” answered Serena, “but I would not fret about it ‘now. Let us enjoy our boat ride. I think I can set the sail when we are out a little farther, and then we will talk at our ease. What alovely night it is. I don’t think I shall ever forget to-night.” And Serena lifted her calm, soft eyes up-to the moon and smiled softly. Lina was struck with one of those vivid impressions peculiar to her quick, sensitive nature. She twisted her little head around with what Nat called the genuine hum- ming-bird movement, and laughed lightly as she looked — over to her friend. “There’s anew look in your eyes, Serena, and anew sound in your voice. And itis something I know nothing about. Don’t go to being like all the rest, Serena. Don’t have your secrets also unless I can share them.” Serena’s heart gave a little conscious throb of self- rebuke. Why was it she would rather not tell Lina just yet about the eloquent young gentleman who had rowed her tothe island? By way of making amends for the secret treason she leaned forward and dropped a shower of tender kisses on the smooth cheek. : “When I haye a genuine secret, Lina darling, you shall help me keep it. But I don’t think any such romantic change will come to my commonplace experience. But I confess I think it must be a very innocent affair to be - trusted to such a chatter-box.” comicbooks