A Silver Brand — page 30: what you’re looking at

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

99 A SILVER BRAND. “Tt was I who ordered the doors opened, and the sunlight admitted. The paintings are getting musty, and need drying. Besides when the beauties of Schwarzenberg palace are exhibited to a stranger, the picture-zallery surely will not be passed by.” Was there any secret sarcasm or stinging thrust in the courteous words and smooth tone? Aubrey Dalberg saw that the baron had turned deadly pale, that his hands were clenched, and his breath came in hoarse gasps. He turned about quickly, with his face to the wall, and stood thus through what- ever conflict it was which shook his secret soul. © Then he faced about, and looked over to the stranger, as if forgetting any other presence. “Yes,” said he, coldly and sternly, “I will visit the picture-gallery. Leadon.” The tall stranger bowed again. “Your lordship forgets that I have had no intro- duction to the American gentleman.” Again the Baron Baer gnawed fiercely at his pale lip, and conquered the rising wrath. | “Mr. Dalberg, this is Herr von Schubert, a very loyal and devoted subject of his royal highness, Prince ——. That latter noble gentleman is never afraid to trust him with his adroit or profound schemes.” } , Aubrey Dalberg could not help perceiving the sarcasm of this speech, nor be unaware of the mutual antagonism betrayed by the gentlemen. Von Schubert, however, seemed to have the best control of himself, and to retain command of his temper. He bowed with easy grace. : “Tam happy to make the acquaintance of all Americans, Mr. Dalberg in particular. I hope you find your residence in these parts agreeable.” | Aubrey answered as briefly as possible. Then Von Schubert led the way to the open door of the | gallery, talking carelessly in a ready, off-hand style. It was he who explained to Aubrey, picture after picture of the long lines of grim warriors and ‘queer ladies, and related glibly little anecdotes of each. The Baron Valentin stalked behind them in grim silence. But Aubrey, who watched him fur- comicbooks co