The Price He Paid — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

FORTUNE AND MARRIAGE. 17 “It is coming to an end,” observed Max. — “Yes, thank God, it is coming toan end. The old system is shaken to its foundations, and its up- holders are endeavoring to trim their course wisely, so as to save allthat may yet be saved. Raven alone holds to the past with rigid consistency. Not the smallest concession—not the most trifling com- promise can be wrung from him, and he will not listen to the warning voices which sound even in his ears. Is this willful blindness, or firmness of character?” “Hirmness of character in a renegade?” Fase looked down thoughtfully. Suddenly he said : “Max, there are times when I would rather doubt your father’s word than ascribe a dishonorable action to my chief. Ambition, passion, might lead him to commit a crime; but base, low treachery to his friends! There is not a trait in the man which does not contradict the charge.” “And yet he was guilty of such treachery. Do vou think my father would pass this rigorous judg- ment on the hero he once worshiped without ample proofs? But, indeed,, are they needed? Is not the career of this Arno Raven proof enough in itself? He was once an enthusiastic champion of liberty. What is he now?” “You areright; and yet—let us say no more of this. Weare at the castle.” They had, indeed, by this time reached the Government-house, where they must separate. An appointment was hastily made for the afternoon, then George betook himself to the Chancellery, and Max, who wasin no hurry to return to the town, strolled about, inspecting the castle, which was one of the principal sights of R——, and an object of in- terest to all strangers. The young surgeon, it 1s true, cared very little for architectural curiosities or the antique. Romanesque style of art; but the castle interested him on account of its present inhabitant. He sauntered through the galleries and passages as far as they were accessible; then, turning at length to retrace his steps, he lost his way, and instead of cS (E() Comicboo