The Opposite House: A Novel — page 173: what you’re looking at

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

168 Lhe Opposite Flouse. “Admit her,” she said, curtly, fixing her gray eyes somewhat curiously upon the door. A dainty figure appeared, richly and tastefully dressed, with waves of raven-black hair clustering around her forehead, and the prettiest little feet which had ever approached the aristocratic lady. “Pardon my intrusion, baroness,’ said the stranger, in a pleasantly modulated voice. “It will seem bold, perhaps somewhat indiscreet for me to trouble you, yet I believe I am acting in your interest by making you acquainted with certain matters, mad- am !”’ The baroness’s eyes measured the visitor keenly. The piquant little face attracted her, but it was unfamiliar, and she could not recollect having seen the elegant costume, whose sea-green hue could not fail to impress the memory. “Tf you have called upon me in regard to a per- she replied with a formal bow, “I can only express my gratitude for the in- 9 sonal matter, madam,’ terest you feel in a stranger. At least I cannot recall having made your acquaintance, and, if I have done so, I must beg you to assist my imper- fect memory.” “Tam Heloise Chénois,”’ said the dancer, with a slight bend of the head, ‘‘and certainly have never had the honor of meeting Baroness von Rotterswyl.” “And what do you desire?” asked the baroness, Comicbookks C@