The Price He Paid — page 161: what you’re looking at

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

152 THE ICE BEGINS TO THAW. martyrdom, albeit his voice retained its: wonted calm. “But the decision must rest solely and en- tirely with Gabrielle. If her mother chooses to throw her influence into the scale, she can do so. I, personally, shall not interfere.” The colonel seemed surprised and a little offended at this very cool reception of his overtures. “T can well understand that your head is full of other things just now,” he half apologized; “but when a hot-headed young fellow of Albert’s stamp falls in love, he does not stay to inquire whether time and circumstances are favorable to his suit; he cannot be induced to sit down soberly and wait. But to come back to where we started. Would it not be better to leave the ladies here awhile? R—— is notavery pleasant place of residence just in these difficult times, and my wife would gladly pro- long her sojourn in the country if it would be any convenience to her dear visitors.” “Thanks, no,” declined Raven. “It shall not be said that my relations remain absent from the town because I hold the situation to be seriously mena- cing. Some such reports have arisen already, and it is high time they should be refuted.” Colonel Wilten saw that this ground was unten- able, so he yielded. The previous arrangements as to the journey therefore held good, and a few hours later the baron set out in Gabrielle’s company on his return to the town, leaving the remaining trio to follow at their ease. : It was acool and rather stormy autumn day, with heavy showers of rain and glimpses of sunshine alternating. The baron seemed absorbed in his own thoughts, and Gabrielle sat mutely gazing out at the country through which they passed. The wind blew keenly down from the hills, and the girl drew her mantle more closely about her shoulders. Raven noticed the movement. “You are cold,” he said; “I should have remem- bered that you are not accustomed to driving in an open carriage in such weather. I will have the hood put up.” Eomichooks.co