A Silver Brand — page 55: what you’re looking at

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

‘A SILVER BRAND. 47 man of great influence at court, and has found close favor with his royal highness, so that, for his mas- ter’s sake, he commands deference, however he may forfeit it on his own account. Pray let us dis- miss him from our thoughts. Yonder is Roderich. ITheard him giving orders for extra care for the horses that the midnight ride to-night may not be: alaggardone. Is it really so important that you do not miss this particular time of departure?” Again there was that earnest, searching look that puzzled him so, which he had noticed in all three of them. Questioning secretly its meaning, he an- swered, carelessly: : . = “Yes, oh, yes, it 1s very important.” . Her color faded. She dropped her eyes to the ground, and stood working her hands together ‘nervously. | “Would it work any serious harm to your happi- ness, or your fortune?” persisted -she, “if you failed?” : | At which he laughed lightly. “Nay. Ithink it could hardly make so serious a result as that. Nevertheless, I must go. And, having witnessed this glorious sunset, I am ready.” Her face was turned now, and he did not see its look of intense relief. In afew moments after, the - | baron sentaservant to call them in. Then came another sumptuous banquet, at which Von Schubert appeared, as cool and imperturbable as_ before. Toward its close, naturally enough, the faces of the company grew pensive. | Pie “Who shall say whether we ever meet again?’ said the Baron Valentin, as he took the slender crystal glasses from the sliver tray the butler brought him, and filled them, one by one, diamond- beaded to the brim. “Well, this is a dreary world at its best. My young friend, it would comfort me greatly if you would promise to come hitherward : again.” ertan © was deeply touched, and his own heart saddened beneath the thought. Never again to be- held those grand old walls—the generous, hospitable host, the brilliant daughter—the brave and gallant (ee) >comicbooks