The Opposite House: A Novel — page 248: what you’re looking at

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

The Opposite Flouse. 243 “Extremely flattering!’ the Russian protested ; and Marie asked gravely why Count Hasso had not come in the morning to witness the imposing entry of the troops? With what often seemed malicious enthusiasm, she spoke of the brave fellows who had left their homes, wives, children and property to devote their lives to the service of their native land! She had scattered flowers and laurels in their path, and thrown garlands to the heroes whose breasts were adorned with the cross. Meanwhile, Count Hasso had sat at home, training dogs and playing the polka to young ladies. Verja turned to the baroness ; her bright face had grown strangely earnest. “Did you see Herr Gerrald among the officers?” she asked. ‘“ He wears the iron cross.” “Because he has fought like a hero,” answered the widowed noblewoman, in a very harsh tone. ‘He has proved that the blue blood of the Rotters. wyl race flows in the veins of this Prince of the Mill also. Count Raven,” she turned with her head held haughtily erect, “give me your arm, the carriage has driven up.” The servant put on the ladies’ cloaks, and Count Hasso obediently led the way with the baroness. “My husband will receive us as a member of the ball committee,” whispered Verja, joyously. ‘Just cComiclsoo S C@