The Opposite House: A Novel — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

The Opposite House. : 23 worthy men, they even desired a few minutes ago to deprive me of service and property. I have friends, manufacturers and owners of landed es- tates, with whom I will obtain places for you.” These few words had the effect of producing a tempest of emotion. “No, master, we want to serve you. You are kinder than we have deserved!” they cried from overflowing hearts; and the men surrounded Ger- rald, waving their caps. It was a beautiful specta- cle to see the young owner of the mill, his face beaming with joy, as he shook hands with one after another weather-beaten figure. The superintendent had slipped quietly away. But the men confirmed their vows with a cordial clasp of the hand, and tears glittered in the eyes of many as their sinewy hands were raised to call down Heaven’s blessings on their young master, while “ Hurrah, hurrah for Herr Gerrald!” mingled joyously with the sound of the rippling waves of the mill-stream. Comicbookkss C@ 5}