A Silver Brand — page 48: what you’re looking at

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

40. A SILVER BRAND, might accept such honorable treatment with toler- able composure. But when I know how humble and insignificant and ordinary my position really 1s——”" “Nay,” interrupted the young count, “are you not all heirs presumptive to the throne of power—you enviable republicans? But truly it is yourself we honor. You know how I took to you from. the first moment I met you. Be assured that no guest has entered beneath this roof for many and many a day who has awakened such earnest and sincere interest as you have done.” There was no opportunity for Aubrey to reply, for while he was speaking Roderich moved on, leading the way across the hall where the dimness of twi- light was wrapping shadowy clouds about the banner-hung walls. A blaze of light from a pair of folding doors now flung widely open at the end of the hall illuminated the way for them, and Au- brey perceived half a dozen richly liveried servants moving excitedly to and fro within, as if busy still over extensive preparations. : Roderich’s eve burned brightly and there was still a hot flush upon his cheek. He drew Aubrey gently toward a seond door, and led him into a small but sumptuously furnished parlor. The baron was there in elaborate court costume, and beside him stood the graceful figure of a young and handsome woman, her costly brocade robe trailing its glistening folds half-way across the floor, her glossy, brown hair restrained by a band of shimmering jewels, her fair throat and arms like- wise scintillating from the diamond gleams of the encircling gems. “My daughter, the Lady Theresa, Mr. Dalberg. Our American friend, dear Theresa. I trust you will be glad to aid us in making his stay at Schwarzenberg agreeable to him.” The Lady Theresa turned a bright, welcoming smile upon the young gentleman, while she replied, _ in a clear, musical voice, in excellent English: “Indeed, Mr. Dalberg, my prejudices—and they are not apt to be few or small—are in your favor, (e(@) GComicbooks