The Opposite House: A Novel — page 108: what you’re looking at

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

The Opposite House. 103 claimed the hostess, with a rapid glance of admira- tion at the young matron. ‘I am delighted to see you here. There are doubtless many crinkles to be smoothed behind the curtain.” “Everything is going on admirably, your excel- lency,” replied the Russian, gayly. ‘Our perform- ers are all here, and we only await the arrival of the principal guests to begin.” “The duchess will be punctual,” said the hostess, with winning cordiality. ‘“ The poor little stage- manager has a great deal of responsibility on her beautiful shoulders this evening, and were it not for our Verja, who regulates everything, I should almost be anxious.” Nodding cordially, she left the young wife to sev- eral gentlemen who wished to offer their homage, and also their dancing cards, at Frau von Kartege’s feet. “There is a spark under all the ashes,” whispered Brand, with a long glance at the baroness. He and Gerrald had obtained a corner near the stage. “That woman has marvelous taste in dress. I be- lieve if she were gowned in gray sackcloth she would still outshine all her gayly clad sisters.” Traugott’s eyes rested admiringly upon the grace- ful figure standing in the center of the hall under the full blaze of the chandelier. Several gentlemen surrounded her, as shadows hover about light, and Comicboolkk<s 5}