The Price He Paid — page 307: what you’re looking at

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

298 REJOICING AT MAX’S HOME. stantly thrown into the society which she frequents, and in the capital unexpected meetings are almost inevitable. I come upon her sometimes in the midst of a brilliant assembly, and we are both forced calmly to face the situation, though we would gladly fly from each other, were it possible. It would have been better for me, had I never seen her since the day I lost her. These constant meet- ings stir up the memories of the past within me, and rob me of my composure and self-command. I suffer horribly under it, I assure you.” “So it was chance alone that directed your steps here? Itis as I expected.” Winterfeld looked at the doctor in astonishment. “T have explained to you that I came to Switzer- land on an official mission, and wished to take you and Max by surprise.” “Max has not told you then that the ladies von Harder are here?” “Who is here?” ejaculated George. “Gabrielle?” “With her mother. They have been living in that villa yonder for, the last few weeks. The baroness is somewhat out of health, and has put herself in the hands of one of our most celebrated physicians. There has, of course, been no sort of communication between us and the two ladies. I need not tell you what memories would restrain hei aes from setting foot in the house in which I well.” “It is well that I leave to-morrow,” said George, in an agitated tone. “Perhaps I might not have been spared the pain of a meeting even here, and here, in this place where the few happy days of my love were spent, I really could not fee borne it.” “Will you not make some attempt to end this estrangement? Think, George, the happiness of your whole life is at stake. In your place, I would accept this strange coincidence as a hint from Des- tinv, and once again put the decisive question. Your position, and still more, the future which lies before you, guarantee you against any mortifica- tion, though the girl to whom you proffer your suit ‘ be a rich heiress. You had. less to lay in the Gomicbooks (E(0)