The Opposite House: A Novel — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

The Opposite Flouse. 81 “Why are you so late?” asked Heloise, almost rudely. ‘I expected you at seven o'clock.” “Tt was impossible, absolutely impossible, my queen!” he said apologetically, letting his slender figure dropinto an arm-chair. ‘1 have had a great deal to do, Heloise ; and have accomplished a great deal also,” he added significantly. : “What? Tell me about it!’ she exclaimed hur- riedly, drawing her chair closer. ‘Quick, is he the same man he used to be?” “Dear me, signora,” replied Brand, laughing, as he coolly drew off his gloves, “do you suppose things move at such arapid rate? Every matter requires time, and at present I am very well satis- fied to have progressed so far.” “How far?” she inquired, with sparkling eyes. “Tt is a long story, which cannot be told in two words—or yes, it might be done, but, of course, in that case many interesting details would be lost! But first, my dear friend, let me ask if you haven't some warm drink, which will strengthen the nerves. It is horrible weather, and I’m chilled to the bone ! A tremendous gale, driving showers of rain into one’s face, and at times the contents of a gutter poured down one’s back. Aha, what rose-colored note have you here? ‘Lothar?’ From the prince? Pardon me, I must glance through it. I don't see letters from royalty every day!” He took the per- CoOmicboolkk<s C@