A Silver Brand — page 72: what you’re looking at

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

64 ro eh A SILVER BRAND. and therefore sympathize, with Lina’s moods that are so incomprehensible to you.” “There is something in it, Theodosia,” spoke up Paul, calmly. “You have had a fair trial, and Penelope yielded unmurmuringly to vour desire that she should not interfere at all with the girl. We have left Lina to your management, and she has grown worse. Rhoda has also tried, and failed. Urbanus and I have endeavored to coax and reason with her, but without impression. I say it is but right and fair that Penelope should try her way. You must send her in to Lina.” “To encourage her dreamy folly,” returned Theo- dosia, indignantly.. “I must say I wonder at you, Paul. Do you mean, that if Penelope says so, Lina is to resume her free rambles over the island, in defiance of that warning?” “We have not seen the slightest sign of danger. We know very well these simple people here would aid us in resisting any attempt to snatch her away. Indeed, it seems absurd to suspect any danger here. But one of us could follow every step she made, without seeming to be on the watch,” continued Penelope, eagerly. “Is not that better than to see her sweet face pale and weary, and to watch her gentle temper growing irritable and morbid?” “Have you talked with her to-day?” asked Paul. Penelope smiled wistfully, and there was a hungry pathos in her voice. | “Nay, my brother Paul. T have not looked upon her face for a whole week.” “Theodosia, that was cruel and unkind in you,” exclaimed Paul. “Penelope has a way of weakening my influence by a single look,” returned Theodosia, dryly. “I asked her to stay away from Lina for that reason. ' I know very well you all think I am cold and hard. Very well—it does not disturb me; for I myself know that I scorn to turn aside from duty for any weakness of the flesh. The rest of you are eager to pet the child; you have left all the correction to me. Some time she will be wise enough to see which is the true kindness and the best friend.” (E(e) Comileboo ‘Ss