The Opposite House: A Novel — page 184: what you’re looking at

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

Lhe Opposite Ffouse. 179 the yard of the secret gaming-house. ‘“ Baltimore is said to be a very gay place.” He laughed, turned the handle of the door, and passed into the dimly-lghted corridor up to the gambling-rooms. Visitors gradually arrived. Brand had just ar- ranged the table in the side-room and closed the blinds; the landlord, Kiihn, was noiselessly clear- ing away the remains of the food which had been served. Most of the guests were mere youths, scarcely beyond boyhood, and were either preparing for the military service or visiting the springs for pleas- ure. Some, it is true, came from the neighboring universities to spend Saturday and Sunday at Wies- baden. The majority were children of wealthy people who had credit and property, but, still inex- petienced and thoughtless, were easily tempted, and who scarcely understood the meaning of the notes or post-obits which they so willingly gave. Ere long the gambling was in full swing, and Brand’s keen eye watched the cash that he might be sure to have three times as much come in as he paid out. Luck appeared to be decidedly on the side of the bank to-day. Doctor Brand’s well-kept hand constantly gathered in piles of glittering coins, and rarely pushed scanty gains across the green table. cComiclsoo <S