The Opposite House: A Novel — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

Lhe Opposete House. 9 protect him and don’t permit him to continue to hate. Now go—I am weary. Pray—pray for my child !”’ Frau Gertrude held out her burning hand; then her fixed gaze followed the old woman’s figure as she noiselessly vanished behind the dark door. The old clock struck eleven dull strokes with a creaking, rattling sound. Just at that moment a carriage rolled along the street and stopped below ; laughing voices called good-night to each other noisily ; a loud knock sounded on the door of the house ; hasty steps sprang up the stairs. Some one whispered outside with old Gretlis; then came a low exclamation of terror, followed by silence. The sick woman’s eyes rested steadily upon the folds of the curtain, but her lips quivered and her fingers played restlessly with the fine linen sheets. The door opened softly, and Frau Gertrude’s son entered the room. The young man, who had a slender, powerful figure and a fine, intelligent face, came slowly for- ward. Gertrude did not stir. Mother! he cried ina piercing tone. “ Mother!” A few steps brought him to her bedside, where, throwing himself on his knees, he buried his face in her cold hands. A strange tremor flitted around the dying woman’s lips. Comicboolk<s C@ 5}