A Silver Brand — page 245: what you’re looking at

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

A SILVER BRAND, 237 It was 3 Stephano’ s turn to flush. Serena saw him bite. his lip impatiently ere he returned : es A great many things, dear child, probable and improb- able.’ “Did you expect to take me back with yout and wheres to whom ?” “I hoped to do so, certainly. It was my father’s earners wish. You are a relative of ours, Lina, and it is my cee s duty to care for you, to protect you, if it be pos- sible The great limpid eyes deepened and widened. “ But my mother, my mother—and perhaps a father, too —are they not waiting for me there?” ~ ‘*Poor child, is that your dream?” spoke Stephano, ina voice of pitiful tenderness. ‘‘But it is true-—it must be true!” cried - Lina, passion- ately. ‘‘I have dreamed itso many times, and of the great castle, which is*my home. I can describe it to you. I have stolen my chance to peep beneath Theodosia’s cur- tain many and many atime. I know how grandly its tur- reted roof and noble towers rise up above the trees, and how it crowns the heights, looking down into the sleeping beauty of the river that washes its feet. You must not tell me all this is an empty dream, and not really and truly waiting there.” “The castle is there, certainly, and you will be its mis-.“ tress. No one will dispute your right,” answered Ste- phano. “But my mother ! 1? spoke the girl, tremulously, clasping both hands upon his arm. ‘‘Near cousin, your parents died while you were buta tiny babe. Theirs was asad and untimely fate. Do not: seek to learn the history now, for it makes us all shudder, even at this far date, to refer to it.” “No mother waiting ?” sighed Lina. “Oh, I was so sure of a mother’s heart throbbing yearningly with its longing forme. Qh, Serena, Serena, I donot care for the castle so much now !” And she buried her face on her friend’s shoulder, and wept softly. Serena smoothed her with many tender caresses and loving words. ‘‘Such intuitions often mislead the heart, my darling. I myself have been strangely stirred and thrilled at times. I have seemed to feel her outstretching arms, to be sure my mother was near and calling forme. It was only last night—the night at home in the cottage, ie I con “ : comicbooks