The Price He Paid — page 256: what you’re looking at

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

MAX INTERVIEWS COUNCILOR MOSER. 247 engagement of mine is the best piece of business I ever did in my life.” HG doctor was forced to smile, in spite of him- self. “We will wait and see; but if, as seems probable, you have to encounter any lengthened resistance from the father of your betrothed, I shall hardly see much of her on this occasion. I start for home the day after to-morrow.” “Oh, do give up that notion, I beg of you,” insisted Max. “Why not wait until I can accompany you? Our law business is now happily over; but there is still much to be settled. For instance, a purchaser has come forward for our cousin’s estate, and it would be far better that he should discuss the de- tails with you personally.” “No, no,” returned Brunnow, parrying the argu- ment. “You have full authority to act, and are much better qualified to settle these practical matters thanIlam. I want to get away as soon as possible.” “Upon my word, father, I do not understand you,” declared Max. “You have sighed so long for your native land, and now that itis open to you once again, you seem absolutely to fly from it.” Brunnow was sitting with his head wearily rest- ing on his two hands. The look of pain in his care- worn face was more striking than ever, as he re- lied: Pe I have become a stranger in my own land. And do you think it would be agreeable to me to be called on for my testimony as to Raven’s past, to which these disclosures have directed public atten- tion? I must answer, if I were asked; and I will not be interrogated on the subject—at all events, not here.” “Why not?” asked Max. “You have always expressed yourself in the bitterest terms with re- gard to the baron and his pernicious mode of government; you have spoken of his fall as a neces- sity of the times; and now, when, according to all appearances, this fall is imminent, you will not lend a hand to hasten it!” Eomichboo “S (E(0)