A Silver Brand — page 44: what you’re looking at

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

ig 36 A SILVER BRAND. firm hand swept away the green curtain from the single picture upon the wall. The others all rose and stood before the charming, life-like picture in a silent, motionless group. A proud, triumphant smile was on Theodosia’s face, and Paul’s eyes re- flected it. Urbanus’ lips kept a tender gravity, and Rhoda put her handkerchief to her face and fell to weeping silently. But Penelope, with grim-set lips and ashy face, sat there by the window, and shud- dered. And the picture showed the sunny isle and the proud old towers of Schwarzenberg Heights. “How I long to show and disclose all to her,” re- peated Theodosia, exultantly, as she dropped the curtain again. CHAPTER IV. “IT IS DONE.” The young Count Roderich met Aubrey in the °. all. “My father wished me to show you the library. He is sure you will be interested in some of the old parchments, and the collection of illuminated mis- sals is rather rich, I believe.” — “Then he has recovered,” exclaimed Aubrey, ex- ceedingly relieved to hear it. “I was extremely alarmed about him.” “Without occasion. He is subject to these sudden indispositions, and recovers almost instantaneously. He will meet you at dinner,” returned Roderich, but he did not quite conceal a gloomy frown that crossed his frank, expressive face. He brought forth the richly illuminated manu- scripts, and devoted himself earnestly to his guest’s entertainment, and the latter could not help feeling both flattered and grateful. All the while, however, the words of the cold, sardonic voice he had heard in the picture-gallery haunted and puzzled him. Was there really a secret motive for this gener- ous hospitality bestowed upon a stranger? He re- ‘solved to keep sharper watch of every look and Comicbooks:.¢