The Opposite House: A Novel — page 228: what you’re looking at

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

The Oppostte Flouse. 222 baroness. She knew that she was dealing with an enfant gaté,and quietly took her seat in the chair designated, asking, with a suppressed laugh, whether tea was usually served so late. Raven stretched himself. “T really don’t know, ma belle,” he confessed, anx- iously tying his Indian kerchief in the exact knot desired. “I very rarely take tea with mamma; these ¢éte-a-tétes are so horribly wearisome, and we usually have guests only at dinners or evening en- tertainments; besides, | am so overwhelmed with invitations that I’m often compelled to practice all sorts of tricks to escape these notes, even to get to the theatre. True, we don’t have much in this hole. A few passable ballet-dancers. Pshaw! Peo- ple here are very modest in their claims!” Count Hasso said all this in a tone as d/asé as possible; then, leaning back again, stretched his legs before him and puffed out volumes of smoke. ‘“Zounds! Did you notice that ring, cousin? Smokers make such a fad of such things now. There it is again. Capital! Perhaps you would like a cigarette, too?” Marie declined; took up a book, and examined the fine illustrations. ‘““T remained at home to-day especially on your account,’ Hasso went on, scanning the young lady as if he expected at least a fainting fit in acknowl- edgment of such graciousness. ‘‘ Mamma thought % Comicboool<s C@ 5}