The Opposite House: A Novel — page 153: what you’re looking at

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

148 Lhe Opposite Flouse. with this miserable tinsel? Do you really believe that for this trash I would resign the hand prom- ised to me? You are mine, Heloise, and woe betide us both if you do not keep your pledge!’ Snatch- ing the bracelet from her hand, he hurled it vio- lently on the floor ; his fingers clutched her rounded arm with an iron grasp, drawing her passionately to his breast; his hot breath fanned her cheek as he covered her lips with kisses. “ Brand!” she shrieked, struggling to release her- self. ‘ Hear me, Brand. I will offer much for my liberty. I do not love you, you monster, and I would make your life a very hell of torture, if you tried to bind me to your side. I should poison you with my breath, slay you with my kiss, drain your life like a vampire.” “Youdo not love me?” said Brand, coldly draw- ing back. His momentary intoxication had passed away, and his calculating mind warned him to avail himself of the favorable moment. ‘“ Well, then, I do not desire a wife who does not love me. But lis- ten, Heloise. Iam nowno longer the man who, with ardent passion, sues for your love. JI am the usurer who demands his compensation, and who will not leave the spot until he has the entire sum in his hands. What will you pay me for your torn note °”’ He stationed himself at the bell-rope and, with CoMmicooOoks.c© 5}