The Price He Paid — page 249: what you’re looking at

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

240 THE CY NOSURE OF INTEREST. “Tt troubles me sorely that my fame, as you call it, should spring from such a cause. I certainly never counted on this species of success. You surely do not doubt the truth of what I said to you at parting? You do not doubt me when I say that no personal feeling of revenge spurred me on against the baron, that the pamphlet, of which you have heard, was commenced before we knew each other? I was prepared for the worst consequences, for I knew the adversary I was provoking. My position, prob- ably my whole future, was at stake, but it had be- come necessary to cripple the tyrannical power of a man whom none ventured to defy. Iresolved to attempt it, and I was ready to accept the issue, whatever it might be. But no matter ever took a more unexpected turn than this of mine. Ihave been shielded and supported, and the governor’s case has been abandoned. I had no suspicion of the mighty current of opinion that had set in against him in those very circles where most I feared opposition.” He had spoken clearly and quietly, but there was in his eyes an uneasy, pained inquiry which his lips did not frame. Hecould not understand his love. What could have happened to change her thus? “One more question, George,” she began again. “This last attack, this shameful calumny which the newspapers have published—have you had any part in this?” “No; the sudden disclosure took me as much by surprise as any one, and I do not know how it origi- nated. I do not war with anonymous communi- cations: which refer to a long-bygone past. If I had wished to make use of these facts, the governor’s fall would long ago have been assured, for I knew them some months back.” “The facts!” broke out Gabrielle. “The whole story is a lie. Howcan you doubt it for an instant?” “They are facts,” said the young man, gravely. “T heard them from the mouth of a man who was reluctant enough to raise his voice against his former friend—I mean Max Brunnow’s father.” “Whoever says it, I tell you it is calumny!” cried Eomichbooks.com