A Silver Brand — page 270: what you’re looking at

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

262 A SILVER BRAND. naturally keenly solicitous. If this news. of the king’s illness be true every moment’s delay is fatal to us; for once the prince upon the throne, there is no hope for us. You know the deadly enmity he bears all of this ill-starred house. With all the power in his hand, he will scarcely abate his vengeful animosity. Wiaull you tell meif you have formed any plan ?” “Not yet. I am going to ride away to learn the latest bulletin from the court. I see for myself that the erisis has come. When I return I shall have all things planned.” “Have you any idea who it is he is searching for, Herr von Schubert, have you any idea at all?” “Not the faintest. But I might look a dozen ways and find some hunted fugitive from his passion or wrath. Keep up your strength, dear Theresa; I will arrange every- thing before Ireturn. Someway, somewhere, there shall be a safe retreat found for all of you.” “You love me, Herr von Schubert?” said Theresa, softly, and there was a kind of wondering awe in her tone. “Tlove you! yes, I love you!” returned he, catching a little gasp of breath as he spoke the words. “ With all the rest of the world on one side of a gulf; and you on the ore and the choice given me, I should cross to your side.” | Her eyes filled with gentler tears than were wont to visit those brilliant orbs. She slipped her white fingers into his for a single instant, and whispered back : ‘‘Heaven help me to reward you for such dear bought love ! Do not think Iam blind to the sacrifice it brings you.’ | He pressed his lips to the fair hand, and lifted a clearer, brighter face than he had worn that day. ; ‘‘I have counted the cost,” he said, firmly. ‘“ Hencefor- ward there is no regret, no hesitation. We will make our adieus to the prince, be he prince or king, this very night.” She clasped her hands joyfully. “To-night! Oh, Herr von Schubert, will it be possible, and these minions here ?” “I am still in command. Let them dare dispute my will!” he answered, proudly. “But I must away. A little longer, a little longer, my Theresa, and I shall not need to fly from your presence, but may linger to enjoy the gra- cious smile that I have won at last!” Lady Theresa returned again to the little sitting-room where Aubrey Dalberg was sitting, with a profoundly grave face, : : —_ com (@) ‘booksco