A Silver Brand — page 106: what you’re looking at

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

93 A SILVER BRAND. “You have been a tender friend—pardon me if I say vour influence over her has been as benign and elevating as a mother’s. There again, you see, I- forget that you are really as young as she.. But if such prosperity comes to Lina, you will not refuse to share it with her, Serena. when she asks it.” Serena smiled brightly. “My life is calm and peaceful. I do not dislike or despise it, yet surely there is not so much sunshine in it that I can afford to throw away brighter ex- -pectations. But now I must: really go. Good- morning, Mr. Nathaniel.” She passed out swiftly, never turning or looking back, and the taxidermist followed her to the door, and watched from thence until the drooping boughs at the turn of the side road hid from him the slender form. Then he drew a long and heavy sigh, and pressing his hand lightly across his forehead, he muttered: z , “Have I cherished wild and extravagant visions? Have I cheated myself ‘with false and flattering hopes? Yet Serena’s is such a steady, nobly-poised soul, [ cannot make her seem like a young and ciddy girl. I tnink she would enjoy and appreciate the great advantages I can offer. I know she would adorn and beautify the highest station of any country. I have hardly realized till now, with what tender thoughts and beautiful hopes I have invested her. It would cost me a sore pang to see them fall away at my touch like Dead Sea fruit.” And he sighed again, and turned back toward his table. Atthat moment the youthful stranger had flung open the other door. He came ovt with a flushed face and angry eyes. = “Look you!” he cried, fiercely, holding up a packet of letters bearing all the same peculiar seal. “See what a fortunate accident has revealed to me!” “You have been forcing open my private drawer,” retorted Nat, indignantly. “How dare you so abuse my hospitality and friendship? Where is your honor?” . 5 The young gentleman’s lip curved haughtily. “You—you—talking of honor! You, traitor, vil- _~_ “en - comicbooks.com ~