The Opposite House: A Novel — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

The Oppostte Ffouse. 51 ought to have been a matter of indifference to me. Why should I care whether you appeared or not? But I seemed to miss something at the green-table. I missed my evening amusement—I was bored. As though forced by some invisible power, I was com- peed to follow you here, Gerrald ; hear and speak to you, know you better. Do you think me an eccentric fellow? ‘There must be such characters. Yet be assured that my meaning 1s sincere and honest when I offer my hand in friendship.” ‘There was a strange spell in this man’s voice ; its tones were captivating and full of sincerity. Traugott clasped his proffered hand, but his manner still showed the same reserve as he re- plied: “You are welcome, doctor. I am now alone and friendless, and therefore feel doubly grateful for every token of sympathy. The past which you have just mentioned is only a brief, dark scene, which must be swallowed up in the present. Work, exertion, occupation make me happy; and when you see for yourself what new triumphs I am daily achieving, you will understand what an ennobling feeling itis to be able to say: ‘This is my work, for whose sake I have toiled and struggled.’ ”’ Brand nodded silently. His face at that moment wore quite a different expression than usual. Doc- tor Brand’s appearance was remarkable. His coun- COMIG oOo S C@© 5}