The Price He Paid — page 137: what you’re looking at

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

128 GABRIELLE DEFENDS HER POSITION. “T have really been unwell,” replied Gabrielle, in alow voice. The baron scanned the youthful countenance be- fore him, which was, indeed, far less rosy and fresh than usual. A shadow lay on it, a trace of some lurk- ing trouble or anxiety very foreign to the wonted expression of that bright, sunny face. Raven took the young girl’s hand. He felt that it trembled and sought to disengage itself from his grasp but he held it notwithstanding, held it firmly, yet without any friehdly pressure, and his voice was cold and quiet as he spoke. “I know what alarmed you at our last interview. Dissimulation would be useless, I feel; but you have nothing more to fear—it is over already. I required from you the sacrifice of a youthful inclination, and I must, first of all, show you by example how such senti- ments many be overcome. I have. been tempted occasionally to lose sight of the difference existing between your years and mine. You have recalled to me in time that youth wiilingly consorts with youth alone, and I thank you forthe reminder. Forget that which was revealed to you in an un- guarded moment. Nothing shall occur to alarm you again. I have fought down graver and deeper troubles, and I am accustomed to subordinate my feelings tomy will. The dream is over, for I have determined that it must be.” As he spoke, Gabrielle had raised her eyes to his face, and they still dwelt there, full of mild, doubt- ing inquiry, but she made noanswer. Her hand slid unresistinely to her side as he released it. “And now take confidence in me again, child,” continued Raven. “If I am severe to you in this matter of your love, believe that I am moved only by a sense of my duty as a guardian responsible for the welfare of an inexperienced young girl com- mitted to his charge. Will you promise this?” “Yes, Uncle Arno.” Lingeringly, and with an accent of strange constraint, the name came from the young girl’s lips. The old freedom and self- Brace a with which she had hitherto approached er “Uncle Arno” was gone, never to return. Gomicbooks (E(0)