The Opposite House: A Novel — page 159: what you’re looking at

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

‘154 The Opposite House. hotel, gazing around her at the long mirrors, which reflected her image so many times that she had un- consciously paused and pushed the waving hair back from her brow. A faint flush tinged her cheeks, and the black veil framed her face like gauze intended to relieve the dazzling hue of marble. The girlish figure in the black wool dress was very earnest and grave of aspect. Hasty steps hurried through the ante-room. Marie statted, pressing her hand upon her heart. He was coming—and now the door was pushed open and Traugott stood before her, breathless from his rapid walk. “Marie !” he exclaimed, in a voice trembling with joy. “How I thank you for giving me an oppor- ttinity to say farewell!” He held out both hands and gazed into het eyes with a look of radiant happiness. “YT could not let you go without a parting word,” whispered the young girl with downcast eyes. “I struggled with myself a long time, but was forced to give you this last hour to soothe my heart and conscience.” “What a blessing this last hour will contain,’ he said, softly. ‘‘ What a consolation it will bring dur- ing all the sorrowful ones which must yet be en- dured! Now that I know you have really forgiven mé Ican go forth to meet my fate with a lighter Comicboookks C@ 5}