The Price He Paid — page 223: what you’re looking at

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

214 A VACATION IN THE CAPITAL. now decidedly that she will not marry young Baron Wilten, and threatens to tell him so point-blank, if I let him come to her with an offer.” Raven took a rapid survey of the young girl, who sat at some distance from them, pale and silent, leaning her head on her hand; but even now he did not address her. “It places me in the most embarrassing pre- dicament,” went on the baroness. “I have given the colonel positive assurances which cannot possi- bly be recalled. He and his son will be furious. Gabrielle says he has already spoken to you on the subject, Arno. Do you really approve of her con- duct in this matter?” “1?” asked the baron, coldly. “I have renounced all pretensions to influence your daughter.” “Good heavens! what has happened?” asked the baroness, starting up in alarm. “Has Gabrielle been showing you her stubbornness and self-will? I hope—I trust——” “Let us not talk of it,” said the baron, cutting short her effusive speech. “This affair with Wilten must be settled by me, certainly. My own position toward the colonel demands it. He would never for- give me if I were to allow his son toincur the humiliation of a refusal, where he confidently ex- pects to be favorably received. I must say, the fault is altogether yours, Matilda. You will re- member that I have held myself aloof from your plans from the first. You should have made sure of your daughter’s consent before you committed yourself to positive promises. But now this matter must be discussed and decided. Iam going over to see Wilten now, and during our conference I will take an opportunity of letting him know Gabrielle’s answer. But to the subject which brought me hither. You are unwell?” “Indeed I am—very unwell!” breathed the baroness, faintly, sinking back in her cushions with an air of utter exhaustion. ; “Well, I have a proposal to make to you. The doc- tor talks of nervous symptoms, and recommends change of air, particularly as the autumn here with Eomichooks.co