A Silver Brand — page 246: what you’re looking at

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

238 A SILVER BRAND. sprang up from my sleep, stretching out my arms, think- ing a mother’s voice entreated me to come. Perhaps their angel spirits hover around us and at times make their pres- — ence felt. Do not grieve so bitterly, my Lina. Some time we shall know our mothers. To the heavenly home we shall surely go at last.” ‘‘Oh, Serena, Serena, if I were only as good as you,” said Lina, sorrowfully, “I should not feel so much the lack of a mother’s guiding hand. You must never leave me, Serena, must she, Stephano? You will take her with us when we go home to my castle, will you not?” “T should be sorry, indeed, to leave her behind,” an- eke Stephano,.and a little sigh fluttered away with the words. Lina presently brightened up, and said, gayly: » “And the castle really exists! You called me cousin, Stephano! Is it really and truly so?” : ‘‘Knough to warrant the claim somewhere in the thir or fourth degree. And quite enough to give us a warm and earnest desire to secure your happiness and safety, little Lina,” returned he. ‘‘Do you think you could ven- ture to trust yourself in my care?” She laid her hand confidingly in his. “Of course I do, my cousin; Serena trusts you, and I always know her judgments are wise and correct. Now tell me the rest?” “Nay,” said Stephano, “I am not sure it would be wise or well. Let Serena judge. Now that you are in ignor- ance you can truthfully deny this man the information he requires. If I tell you all the names and localities, what will you answer to his demands ?” “T see,” answered Lina, promptly, “it will be much bet- ter for me to know nothing. And after all just the name is but a trifle, while itis a great deal. to know that my castle actually exists.” | “Just at present even the castle is of little conse- '~ quence,” said Serena; “a key to unlock that cellar door is of more vital importance.” “You are already tired of this. It has grown dull and irksome already,” spoke Stephano, in a low and slightly reproachful voice. : Serena colored faintly. “It is natural I should wish to return to my grieving — friends; I am moreover still more uneasy about Lina since I am assured of the important interests that attend her. Eomicbooks (ele)