The Opposite House: A Novel — page 16: what you’re looking at

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

Lhe Opposite Flouse. II right, though I am no longer with you—can no longer guard you and urge you by my words to better paths! Conquer that terrible passion whose demon leads to destruction, whose end is darkness and horror. God gave you a good heart, my son; keep it pure and noble. Drop gambling, Traugott; it will bring you to ruin, and accursed be the man who does not hold his mother’s last words sacred !” Her tones grew fainter and more hurried, her gasping breath shorter, and when the pale moon emerged completely from behind the clouds a de- spairing son was kneeling beside the death-bed of the mother, whose last blessing was given to her wayward child. & * * oi # * The next morning strange rumors were current in the ancient capital. Frau Gertrude Gerrald was dead. She had died, not suddenly, not slowly, but after years of wasting grief for her only son, yet it was an event discussed everywhere with equal interest. - -————— The officers’ caszzo was nearly empty. ‘There were only two members of a cavalry regiment seated at a table. “ Have you heard that Frau Gerrald is dead?” asked Baron Linden, filling his companion’s glass a second time. ‘ Nowa gay life may be expected. COMUGDOOKS C@ 5}