The Opposite House: A Novel — page 236: what you’re looking at

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

Lhe Opposite Flouse. reli been seriously ill, but was now better. At present he was in the E—— hospital, but should return to his regiment as soon as possible ; that the armistice would doubtless be followed by peace, and that it would give him infinite happiness to return home. And here at the end, in black and white—Marie read the passage twice—three times—were the words: “I hope Liesbeth 1s still in the service of the baroness. Ask her to remember me to both ladies, and present my greetings from the enemy’s country. I trust all is well.” Yes, there it was, in large, distinct letters. She was not mistaken. So he thought of her, was con- valescent, and perhaps would soon return? Ah, thou merciful Father in heaven, with how many tears of gratitude she offered thanks for this mes- sage of peace! Marie laughed and wept in the same breath, pressed the letter to her heart, and was on her way downstairs to her mother when Verja came to meet her, waving a newspaper aloft. “Peace! Peace !’’ she cried, breathlessly. ‘‘ Thank Heaven! Here is the dispatch.” The young girl stared at the lines; the printed letters danced before her eyes; she could not grasp the meaning of these blissful words. “Rejoice, Marie!” exclaimed Verja, wild with delight. ‘ Now, thank Heaven, they will all come home, and not a hair of Fritz’s head is hurt! Out Comicbook<s C@