A Silver Brand — page 76: what you’re looking at

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

68 3 A SILVER BRAND. “What, my pet, will my presence prove such 4. drawback?” asked Penelope, sorrowfully. _ “No—oh, no; only I must go to Nat’s. Heis home: again, Uncle Urbanus says; and Iso long to see: him, and to hear of the new wonders he has discov-. ered, and to admire the fresh specimens he has: found. He is so bright and entertaining I love: dearly to hear him talk.” “Well, Lina, and why will any of this be spoiled _ by my presence?” } “Tt wouldn’t for me—don’t think it would, Auntie: Pen. I’m not such a wicked, ungrateful thing as that; but old Nat is neyer the same when any of - youare around. I can’t explain it, but I can see it: readily enough. He is like another creature when. - Rena and IJ are there alone.” Penelope gave a little start. “Old Nat!” she muttered. “What if—but, no; it is impossible—utterly impossible!” — . “What is impossible, Auntie Pen? Hardly any-. thing, I should say, with dear old Nat. He can ac- complish marvels. Is there anything you want him to do?” Penelope shook her head. “But I think you and I will pay him a visit, Lina. I am quite sure they will not let you go without one of us; and unless you prefer Theodosia——” Here there was a little twinkle in the speaker’s eye, at which Lina laughed merrily, and then stopped her mouth with kisses. — ~ The silvery peal of laughter echoed across the little entry-way to the waiting group, upon which all but Theodosia smiled broadly. “There now! Penelope has cheered her already!” — exclaimed Peul. “I tell you, Theodosia, you must allow Penelope to have more hand in the girl’s management. It is something as she says. She understands her better than the rest of us.” “And if only she makes her laugh, I suppose it is not to be miuded how she is spoiled and ruined,” returned Theodosia, indignantly. Paul’s reply was diverted by the opening door, (Efe) Comicbooks