The Opposite House: A Novel — page 99: what you’re looking at

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

94 The Opposete House. “ Unfortunately, I fear that the case is too old to be opened,” the baroness continued, with a cour- teous bow ; ‘“‘ but it is better to do too much than too little.” | She rose and walked slowly through the room. Brand watched her tall figure as she moved with a firm, steady step. He, too, had risen, and leaned expectantly on the back of the carved chair, intensely interested, he could not deny; but, though he seemed extremely calm, the slight quiver of his nostrils, the distrust- ful glance which scanned every surrounding object, revealed the feverish excitement with which he awaited further developments. The baroness returned with a few papers; the green curtain at the casement, stirred by the wind, cast a deep shadow over her features. 4 “Here are some papers,’ she began, in a tone utterly devoid of expression, “‘ written by the stew- ard of the Von A took place on a friend’s estate. Apparently the story has very little connection with me, yet it ruined my whole life. The entire affair will seem to you incredible, yet I have proofs—if necessary, family. .The whole drama witnesses. Read!” Brand eagerly seized the package and read the contents, bending far over the table, while the paper rustled strangely in his hands, and by degrees every Comicboolk<s C@ S|