The Opposite House: A Novel — page 83: what you’re looking at

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

78 Lhe Opposite House. A slight frown darkened Traugott’s brow. “Worthy folk,” he answered, not without a touch of resentment, ‘“‘ what atrocities will they not asso- ciate with my insignificant self? I believe that, were my back twice as broad, 1t could not bear the burden of all the enigmas connected with my every movement.”’ “Yes, you have really become a perfect enigma,” answered Doctor Brand, laughing ; “and if you had a hundred more sides to show, each would be repre- sented as a Janus head with two faces. Well, don’t worry about it, but trust entirely to me. I’Il act for you, as a friend should, and see that Dame Gos- sip will soon lack material for any fresh fairy tales.” “T thank you, Brand,” said Traugott, earnestly. “J am in avery uncomfortable position, and you are right. Turn and twist as 1 may, 1 can no longer justify myself to any one.” Comicbooolk<s C@