The Opposite House: A Novel — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

10 Lhe Oppostte House. “Where were you, Traugott? Gambling? At the green table ?” A grave,mute glance met his. Then she slowly drew her hand from his clasp and turned her gray head toward the wall, bitter tears coursing down her grief-worn cheeks. “Gol “Mother!” groaned Traugott. ‘“ Mother, forgive me!” And overwhelmed by terrible agitation, he threw his arms around her neck and sobbed like a child. ‘ Let me hold and kiss your hand. Do not shrink from me, mother! By Heaven, I do not de-. serve it! Whatever I may have done, whatever sins I have committed, whatever follies have sprung from my recklessness, my heart is still un- tainted. I still possess a large fortune. [am rich, and, thank Heaven, 1 am also young. Oh, mother, I can work, and if hitherto I have neglected to do so, I will make amends doubly for the lost hours, the wasted years.” He again fell upon his knees at her side, and rested his head on her clasped hands. Gertrude raised her dark eyes heavenward; her mute gaze wandered through the parted curtains to the sky, where the moon burst through the torn clouds, then she laid her trembling hands tenderly upon her son’s head. “May God help you, my boy! Be noble and up- ComicbooOoks.c©