A Silver Brand — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

90 A SILVER BRAND. may keep him until he is weary of us, replied the — baron. And forthwith the pair ascended the grand stair- ~ way which was wide enough for six to-pass up abreast. A valet was waiting in the first of the suite of sumptuous rooms, and at a low-spoken — order in German from Roderich, he bowed in hum- ble obeisance, and motioned for the American to follow him, leading the way to the opposite corridor, where the latter found himself in possession of a richly furnished chamber. While he was still gazing about him some one came to the open door and glanced in, and the valet dropped the dressing-gown he had brought forth from the wardrobe with a look of peculiar deference and respect, and went hastily to answer his authori- tative nod. They spoke a moment in low tones, and Aubrey understood enough of German to com- prehend that the valet was explaining his presence there. Then the stranger retreated, the valet closed the door and came back to his duty, assisting Aubrey at his toilet with the ready ease of long practice. Half an hour afterward the young gentle- men were sitting over the luncheon tray in a pretty parlor which led from Count Roderich’s chamber. The baron came in while yet they were discussing the tempting viands. “Now then,” he said, “if you are not tired, Herr Dalberg, you shall make a thorough acquaintance with Schwarzenberg. I can show you apartments made sacred by the presence of many crowned heads, and illustrious by the visits of some of the most famous men and women in the world’s history. Come, let me show you the old rooms. My other son and my daughter will join us at dinner; till then I shall be selfish enough to claim you to myself. I do not often meet with a congenial spirit. I have seldom any interest in my visitors.” | “T should think you might select them from the flower of the land,” returned Aubrey, looking about him with an interest that did not pall. “AsI told your son I only marvel that the fame of this beauti- ful spot had not been trumpeted throughout all Gomicbooks €o