The Price He Paid — page 224: what you’re looking at

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

A VACATION IN THE CAPITAL. 215 us is often rough and inclement. Besides this, in the present state of affairs there can be no thought of receptions or any social gathérings for some time to come. 1 would, therefore, advise you to accept the invitation you have received from your friend, the Countess Selteneck, of which you were lately speaking to me, and with your daughter to go and spend a few weeks in the capital.” - Gabrielle, who had listened to the conversation, taking no part in it, started violently at the last pe and an involuntary exclamation escaped her ips. “Yes,” said Raven, turning toward her for the first time, and speaking with caustic irony; “I know that my scheme will meet your views.” The girl made no reply; but the baroness’ languid features acquired sudden animation. “What, you approve of this visit?” she asked. “I do not deny that a short stay in the capital would be agreeable to me—that it would be pleasant to see my old friends and acquaintances again; but my regard for your wishes, my duties as the mistress of your house——” “Need not bind you in this case,” interposed the baron. “I repeat to you that, under the present circumstances, entertainments are out of the question. When you return, you will find us all peaceful and settled, I hope.” “T will comply with your wishes in this as in all else,” declared the baroness, to whom, in the present case, compliance was remarkably easy. “We shall very soon be ready to start; and I hope the change may be beneficial to Garielle, as well as to myself. She has grown so pale and listless of late, lam really beginning to fear for her health.” Raven appeared not to hear this last remark. He rose to go. “So that is settled. Whatever you may require for your trip is at your disposal. But now I must leave you, Matilda. The carriage is waiting for me below.” He shook hands with his sister-in-law, and went. Hardly had the door closed upon him, when (ECO) NAILICe boo “S (E()