The Opposite House: A Novel — page 103: what you’re looking at

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

98 Lhe Opposite House. value your confidence. Should you need me, no matter when or where, | shall always be at your service.” “T thank you for your kindness, Herr Brand. I see that my sister-in-law has not told metoo much of your readiness to oblige. ‘Then, for the present, may I ask you to notice the reports which may ap- pear. As a young man of the world, you can do this far better than an old woman like me in my solitude. Perhaps you will call occasionally to let me know the result. You will always be a welcome guest here.” Brand raised the slender fingers of the baroness to his lips and courteously thanked her. “T shall spend much of my time near you, and await any sign, madam. My friend, Gerrald, has the valuable quality of being your neighbor, so I shall have the best opportunity of frequently pass- ing your door.” “Do you know Herr Gerrald ?”’ asked the baron- ess, with marked coldness. ‘“ True, I remember that Verja mentioned it; he is a merchant, isn't he?’ ‘The old lady drew herself up to her full height, her lips curled slightly. ‘“‘He has made _ himself the subject of considerable gossip, frag- ments of which Ihave heard. With whom does he associate here ?” “He is to attend the musicale given by the minis- CoOMmicbooOoks.c© 5}