The Opposite House: A Novel — page 183: what you’re looking at

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

178 The Opposete Flouse. “ Nightmare, my poor fellow,” said Brand, forcing a smile, as he involuntarily loosened his cravat with his thumb. “ Hanging has gone out of fashion in the nineteenth century, and nobody thinks of cut- ting throats on account of a little cheating at the card-table.”’ “Yes, but suppose that story should leak out,” interrupted Wikke, glancing timidly around. “‘ You are surrounded by spies here—Baroness von Rot- terswyl, for instance.” “Folly!” said Brand, with a gay laugh. “I haven’t an atom of fear of the old woman. If.she has failed to discover my identity in nearly three months, she won’t feel any suspicion during these last six hours. Besides, |] have served up various items of newsto her recently. Just nowsheis pur- suing a clue in Breslau, like a vulture circling above its prey. The poor province of Silesia is closely watched. No, my boy, Baroness von Rot- terswyl will not play the part of Nemesis in this life, and, spite of our mutual antipathy, Ill drain a glass of champagne to her future prosperity. I’ve already ordered some bottles of wine, and we ‘ll have one more jolly time this evening.” “Have you packed already ?” “Everything except a few trifles to be flung on the top; then I ‘ll close the trunk and say farewell for this time.” Brand took his arm and entered ComicbooOoks.c©