The Price He Paid — page 157: what you’re looking at

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

148 THE IVE BEGINS TO THAW. sessed all the qualities which Madame von Harder desired in her future son-in-law; and the colonel and his wife, to both of whom the presumptive heiress of Baron von Raven seemed a most desir- able connection, were diligent in their attentions to mother and daughter. The baroness began by sounding her brother-in- law. She soon made the unpleasant discovery that Gabrielle by her rebellious willfulness and obstinacy had altogether trifled away the kindly feeling which her guardian had formerly entertained toward her. This was very evident, for he listened to the pro- posed scheme with icy indifference; declaring, in- deed, that he had no objection to offer, but that he must decline to interfere, and leave the matter en- tirely to the baroness’ generalship. On the other hand, that lady obtained the comforting assurance that, as Baroness Wilten, her daughter would re- main in undiminished possession of all the advan- tages secured to her by her guardian’s will. This did away with any lingering hesitation. Gabri- elle herself was to know. nothing of the plan. She seemed to like the young officer, but was rather cooland reserved in her manner toward him, and evidently attached no serious importance to the homage he paid her. She, therefore, readily con- sented to accompany her mother when the latter accepted an invitation to the Wiltens’ country- house, which was situated some miles from the town, at the foot of the mountains. The matter was thus set in train, and it was agreed that the rest should be left to the young people themselves. The baron, who was included in the invitation, excused himself on the plea of the pressure of busi- ness. Besides, he said, he felt it necessary to re- main at his post on account of the uneasiness still. prevailing in the town. So the ladies set out on their expedition alone, and Gabrielle breathed freely as the carriage rolled out from the portico of the . Government-house. She, poor girl, had suffered most from the experiences of the last few weeks; yet Raven had kept his word. Nota look, nota word, had recalled to her that “unguarded moment” Eomichooks:co