The Opposite House: A Novel — page 24: what you’re looking at

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

The Oppostte House. 19 great mistake. What do you want here, where I have managed matters until now ?”’ “What do I want?” Traugott retorted, with an annihilating glance. ‘I should think these books might answer.” He held up a bundle of books, which he had found in an utterly neglected condition. “Where are the yearly accounts—the sales—the receipts? Isthis the way to keep the books—to let the whole property go to ruin—and then ask impudently whatthe owner wants? Look at thestables yonder. They are falling to pieces, yet the money has been paid to putthemin repair. What has become of it, superintendent? See the machines below—the condition in which you have left the warehouses. And how could you venture to sell any part of the ground without informing me? The payment is iudicrously small. You have given me an absurd price. I shall ascertain how much you actually re- ceived for the land.” The man advanced with arms akimbo. ‘“ Pray inquire—accuse me—I shall know how to answer. But let metell you this: In your father’s lifetime neither the books nor the buildings were in any better condition, yet we made daily progress ; but you, in your avarice, imagine that we might get a penny more here or there, and want to pry about yourself. Butthat doesn’t suitus! We don’t work Comicloo S C@ 5}