The Opposite House: A Novel — page 71: what you’re looking at

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

66 Lhe Opposite Flouse. ‘And secret doors, cellars and corridors? Aunt Verja is always afraid when she visits us,” replied Marie, in a jesting tone, with a mischievous side- glance, for his quiet manner restored her confidence. ‘We have an endless number of corners and nooks, too, till one reaches a bow-windowed room, and at night people who were afraid of ghosts would have a sad time with us.” “Aha! Then the rose-window in the upper story is your domain?” he said, slowly. “I think IJ often see you at the window, baroness.,”’ “Mamma gave up the room to me,” she answered, nodding, with a faint blush. “She has more space than she requires in the rest of the house, and I have arranged everything to please myself, col- lected all my treasures there, the roses and finches and—Ancestress Barbara.” ‘“Marie, how long is it since the minister’s wife went away ?” interposed Verja, turning toward her. “You were speaking of it just now.” “Five days,” replied the niece; and Frau von Kartege again raised her eyes to the handsome horseman, who pleased her fancy. Then she turned to her protégé to give further instructions. ‘““Ancestress Barbara’”’ repeated Traugott, thoughtfully. “Is that the oil painting which hangs close by your window ?” Marie silently bent her head in assent. CoMmicbooOoks.c©