The Opposite House: A Novel — page 110: what you’re looking at

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

The Opposite House. 105 eyes wandering to the group of young ladies. “ Un- fortunately, I have not yet had an opportunity to approach the ladies. I suppose Frdulein von Rot- terswyl is not in the room ?” Verja smiled. “She has vanished behind the scenes. But tell me, Herr Gerrald—you look unusually pale to-night —do you want to make yourself interesting, and work mischief with those melancholy eyes?” She shook her finger mischievously at him. Gerrald really did look weary and haggard; his eyes seemed more deeply set than usual, and a shadow rested on his brow. “T have had a great deal to do, baroness,’’ he answered, forcing a smile. ‘I attend to every de- tail myself.” “Even cut my own coupons,” added Brand, in a jesting tone. “It’s hard work!” “You have a provoking tongue, my worthy sir,” retorted the Russian, laughing. “I can easily imagine that you would be Herr Gerrald’s right- hand man in such matters. By the way, have you been presented to Frau von Rotterswyl °” Traugott started. “Oh, no!” he stammered in embarrassment. “I don’t even know whether I can venture—”’ “Certainly you can,’ replied Verja, nodding pleasantly. “Iwill present you myself.” Comiclbookks