The Price He Paid — page 160: what you’re looking at

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

THE ICE BEGINS TO THAW. 161 “Well, I shall return to my post to-morrow, cer- tainly,” he began again. “Albert has been back in town for more than a week. It was hard on him to tear himself away at the call of duty. He lies bound hand and foot, a captive to the charms of a certain young lady.” Raven was silent. He stopped, accidentally, as it were, by the window which opened on to the balcony, and, turning slightly away, looked out into the garden. “IT may take it for granted, I think, that my son’s wishes and hopes are no secret to you now,” continued Wilten. “In these wishes my wife and I most cordially share. If we may reckon on your support in the matter——” “Has Lieutenant Wilten declared himself as yet?” interruptea the baron, still preserving the same attitude. “Not yet. We fancied there was a little reserve in Fraulein von Harder’s manner to him, and Albert had not the courage to speak out. He will call on you in the course of the next few days. May he hope that you will favor his cause? A father’s good word is often a powerful aid.” « A father’s good word!’’ repeated Raven, his voice erating with harshest irony. “Well, or his who stands in the father’s place. The baroness is of opinion also, that your counsels will have great weight with her daughter.” : Raven passed his hand across his brow,and turned slowly round to face the speaker. -“When Lieutenant Wilten has communicated with me, I will acquaint Gabrielle with his pro- posal, and ask for her answer; but I neither can nor will attempt to influence my ward.” “Of course not, of course not,” replied the colonel ; “but, next to the young lady’s consent, her guar- dian’s approval is, naturally. the first thing to be thought of. The baroness has led my son to hope that he may count on you.” “J have already told my sister-in-law that I hawe no objection to offer,” said the baron, whose lips twitched, as though he were enduring an inward Pa Gomichoo “S (E(0)