A Silver Brand — page 294: what you’re looking at

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

986 | A SILVER BRAND. “You deserve her, Stephano, since you chose her disin- terestedly,” replied that father, proudly. “Andif only we clear the matter with the court I see not but there is a joyful solution,” spoke Von Schubert, presently. “It is certain that the Baron Arnold’s appear- ance must clear Herr'von Baer, and give him his liberty. , About the estate : , “We will have no division,” spoke up Arnold, quickly. “Have we not suffered, and mistrusted and quarreled enough to live together the rest of our days in peace and love? Nothing can be more satisfactory. I have loved Lina all these years as my daughter. This brave, new son of mine will give her to me for one in reality. My precious Serena here will make my disinterested and gallant Stephano still dearer to me. Valentin’s daughter shall share our love and home.” “T beg your pardon,” said Von Schubert, brusquely. Baron Arnold laughed gayly. | “Ho! sits the wind in that quarter? I am right proud that my fair kinswoman” has vanquished so worthy an enemy of our house. Sothen there is an honorable and delightful settlement of all difficulties, if only his majesty can overlook these disagreeable truths, and I can clear myself from that false charge of treason so adroitly wound about me.” ‘‘T have the papers safe. I thought to clear your mem- ory. Oh, may Heaven be praised that it is your living honor I have shielded !” cried his wife, joyously. ‘‘And now we need Dr. Mentz. I want every proof: that the laws require, though my heart is already convinced,” spoke up Aubrey. : ' ) | “Here is a letter that came to the steamer -when I ar- rived in America under your name,” said Stephano. ‘‘I knew not what else to do, but to keep it until I could put it in your hands. It.has a black seal.” Aubrey seized it and read it through, wiping away his - tears as he folded it. — “The whole is explained. She who has been a kind and indulgent mother to me is dead. She left a dying declara- tion that I was not her own child. They adopted me in Germany. Dr. Mentz can explain the rest. There is no doubt—no doubt at all.” | “And it only remains to hurry to the king,” said Von Schubert. “The king is dead. He died almost at the same hour as his royal highness,” announced Hernberg at the door Eomicbooks:co