The Opposite House: A Novel — page 170: what you’re looking at

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

The Opposite flouse. 165 mosphere and with the strong wine. I wasto blame for not giving you a lighter drink.” “Oh, I shall never forgive myself,” he said con- fusedly, trying to stagger to his feet. She waved her hand to check him, and brought a glass of water from a side-table. “Take a sip; you will feel better.” He hastily emptied the glass. ‘Oh, how my head aches!” he groaned. “Would you like to cool your face a little?” she asked, sympathizingly. “ I ll get some fresh water.” She went to the next room and filled a basin, then brought it in with a towel. ‘“ Don’t trouble your- self, Herr Wikke,” she said, gayly. ‘‘ One good friend must help another.” The gray-haired man poured forth a flood of thanks, and Heloise went into the next room to listen, with an ironical smile, as the “ good friend” dipped his red head into the refreshing water. Just at that moment the clock struck halt-past seven. “By King Artus, half-past seven already !” cried Wikke. “I must go to Brand at once. I beg a thousand pardons, mademoiselle. I amfrantic over this accident, and cannot imagine how I could for- get myself so far. My stupidity—”’ “Don’t trouble yourself any further about the matter,” said his hostess, indulgently. ‘“ But if I Comicbooks.€©