The Price He Paid — page 280: what you’re looking at

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

GABRIELLE’S RETURN.—RETROSPECTIVE 271 room seemed so close, and itis such a beautiful evening.” “Yes, most beautiful,” repeated the baron, gazing out, apparently lost in thought. Then, turning suddenly to his young companion: “You are right,” he said; “there is a stifling, oppressive feeling in- doors to-day. I myself feel a longing for the open air, where one can breathe more freely. Shall we go down into the garden?” Gabrielle at once assented. The baron took a shawl which was lying on the | sofa, and wrapped it carefully about her slender figure. Then they left the room together. The castle garden was still and solitary as ever, and its summer glory had long departed from it. The Nixies’ Well babbled and rippled on; the foun- tain splashed and threw aloft its white vail of spray; and the two, to whom the voice of its waters had whispered so fateful a message, stood once again by its brink, within reach of its glittering shower. Raven looked down at his companion with mingled tenderness and melancholy. “lhe nixies’ vengeance has overtaken me, after all,” he said, in alow tone. “Why did I venture to jest at them and their magic spell? Ihave not visited the place since that day; but to-night [ seemed drawn to it irresistibly. I felt 1 must see the fountain once again.” Gabrielle started at his last words. “Once again? Whatdo you mean, Arno? Why do you say that?” Her words were eager, prompted by a quick, anxious misgiving. Arno smiled, and passed his hand caressingly over the girl’s fair hair. “You must not be so timorous. I only mean that shortly, in the course of a few days, 1 shall leave the castle and this town. The blow you believed to be impending has fallen on me, my child. This morn- ing I.ceased to be governor of the province.” _ “So they have driven you to the last extremity,” ‘said Gabrielle, sadly, “You have resigned?” “No; I am dismissed.” Eomichboo “S (E(0)