A Silver Brand — page 122: what you’re looking at

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

114 — A SILVER BRAND. from the fair hand, a smile, possibly even the lovely prin- cess herself,” spoke Theresa, sharply. “Is it one or all you are dreaming of finding there when you return ?” And to herself she said : : “Stephano was not a day too soon. This handsome, genial young fellow might have proved a formidable rival in the girl’s favor if he turns out to be nothing nearer.” Aubrey was a little resentful of her manner, and put on an air of dignity. ‘‘Indeed, Lady Theresa, I think I have told you all now. “My dreams, if you please, I will keep to myself.” Before she could reply there came the treble tap, the baron’s signal, at the locked door. He came in quietly, but the moment his daughter locked the door again behind him he drew out a letter and waved it triumphantly. ‘Good news, Theresa. There is such relief to my mind. -A letter from Roderich, and see the sentence written in the significant style we agreed upon. ‘The little illness I brought away from Schwarzenberg is safely gone from me, at which you will rejoice also, lam sure. Stephano has safely eluded even their vigilance. He has long ago arrived in America.” : Then he turned and wrung Aubrey’s hand gratefully. “Oh, my friend, do not be angry at us. It means -so much for us, and the disappoinment.is such a trifle to you. Let me thank you again and again for your forbearance. Now we will turn all our thoughts toward managing your departure.” ‘ He has a little story to tell you and an odd mark on his wrist to show you. I will go and entertain Von Schubert and keep him away from disturbing you,” said Theresa, bowing gracefully and making a speedy retreat. CHAPTER XI. SERENA AT HOME. Serena moored her boat in its snug hiding-place among the tall rocks and hurried up the sandy beach. She left the broad, well-beaten walk which wound tortuously from the one unpretentious wharf to the highway and struck out her own path across the fields, emerging presently into a pretty, rustic lane, whose walls were tangled thickly with wild roses and clambering grape vines. The humble, comicbooks co