The Opposite House: A Novel — page 265: what you’re looking at

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

260 The Opposite Flouse. this alone—vous comprenez, cousine? On account of gossip!’ He twirled his box of confectionery in his hands, keeping time with his foot to the gay polka performed by the orchestra. “Then come quick; I’ll take you to Herr Ger- rald,” urged Marie, in an agitated tone. And Hasso obediently offered his arm and escorted her through the hall. A pair of eyes, flashing with anger, followed them. Then the fair-haired Austrian laughed and gave her delighted partner a rose-bud from her bouquet. Gerrald was still sitting on the red-cushioned divan behind the group of fir-trees. His head rested against the wall, and his eyes were fixed on the huge eagle, with outspread wings, which held the green garlands in its beak. Hasty steps ap- proached, and, like a vision in a dream, Marie stood before him, followed by his enemy, Count Raven. “Herr Gerrald !” said Marie, with panting breath. “Count Raven is seeking you to express his regret for the misunderstanding, which was not intended to convey offense to you.” “Yes, I am sorry. It was‘a little jest,” Raven added with a stupid smile. ‘I didnot intend to vex you. Let us think no more about it. My cousin is frantic,” and with a cordial “Shake!” he held out his gloved right hand to Gerrald, ComicbOoks.c©