A Silver Brand — page 73: what you’re looking at

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

A SILVER BRAND, 65 Penelope had risen from her seat. She crossed the room with slow steps, trying to hide the. eager- ness which sent a tremulous quiver to her pulse and a hot flush to her cheek. : : “You meant for me to go, Paul? You are willing, Theodosia?” she faltered, when she laid her hand on the door knob. ee They both responded yes, and Penelope hurried Sa aed the door behind her with a low gasp of relief. She crossed the narrow entry with swift steps, . and then noiselessly unclosed the door, which gave - her a view of the graceful figure which was curled © up in the great, white easy-chair. The fair head was drooping, the starry eyes downcast, the red lips curved downward wearily, the whole attitude that of hopeless dejection. “My little Lina!” spoke Penelope, the deep voice growing rich with thrilling tenderness. . “Oh, dear Auntie Pen! Have they let you come?” cried out the girl, springing up and coming to meet her with bounding steps. . 3 Penelope gathered the graceful young form into her yearning arms, and sat down with it in the great chair. Spe | : “Lina, little one, it is a whole week since I have seen you,” she murmured. “Have you dreamed how long and weary it has been for me?” “T should think I might,” returned Lina, with spirit. “I have been dull enough to count the seconds. I have longed so for you; but I didn’t ask—I knew very well Aunt Theodosia meant it as part of my punishment that I shouldn’t see you, and I didn’t mean she should see how it tried me. Oh, Auntie Pen, I’m so glad to see you! There’sa heart in you, and your love is true and living!” __ And the dewy-red lips showered their loving kisses over the faded sallow face which bloomed and glowed under the tender light that shone from the dark eyes until it was really handsome. But while she held the little hands and stroked tenderly the restless fingers, Penelope said: ’ Eomicbooks.co