A Silver Brand — page 264: what you’re looking at

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

Gt, ae eae A SILVER BRAND. “T know very well,” returned Serena, her heart sinking within her. “The schooner they expected has arrived. - These smugglers are stowing their contraband goods in that secret passage-way. Heaven grant they. are under good discipline, and have no liquors with them, or what will become of us?” “Oh, for a single pistol!” groaned Stephano, through his shut teeth. “It was folly and madness in my delaying an attempt to overpower them while there were only two.” “Nay,” returned -she, sorrowfully. ‘‘Think how rash and reckless the attempt would have proved. They were both armed, and on the watch, and thoroughly acquainted with the fortification which nature and art have bestowed upon this place. You could have done nothing except to have rushed upon your own death.” “That would: have been something—for your sake,” he - gaid, tremulously. . “For Lina’s sake,” corrected Serena, in her gentlest voice. ‘‘No, by every true sentiment within me, no! Not for Lina’s sake, much as I[ value and care for her,” he an- swered back, passionately, “but for yours, Serena. Let us have no deceptions in the midst of these dangers and mysteries. It is you, Serena, who claim the tenderest ~ emotion of my nature. Itis you who won my heart from me at the first glance you gave me. It is you who will command my loyal devotion to the last throb of my heart. I cannot resist it. I cannot undo it—not for a dozen heir- esses, and at the command of the king himself. Nor would I if I could.” Serena stood trembling. Even there, in the darkness and chill, a prisoner, with the rude oaths and _ fierce tones of the smuggler crew ringing in her ears, with the un- known dangers pressing closer, she was conscious of a thrill of tender joy and delicious hope. “ You-do not answer, Serena,” repeated Stephano, softly and imploringly. “You do not give me a single word of comfort back.” ‘‘What would you have me say?” she answered, faintly. “That—that you are not angry with me! That you do not look coldly upon me. That some time, if fortune favors me, you will condescend to give me your sweet affection in return,” he responded, eagerly. “But your father sent you to-marry Lina.” ‘‘He will never be able to compel it. Besides there is my brother Roderick. If he can win Lina’s consent let GEomicbooks.co