Alfred de Rosann — page 124: what you’re looking at

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

es *,. in ALFRED DE ROSANN. 115 tian name in a moment of mirth—I immediately fancied your forgetfulness or absence to be signs of a tenderness mutually felt. ”T'was thus I deluded my- seli—’twas thus I nourished a flame to consume me —to devour my poor heart—to destroy my peace— to rob me of rest—to plant thorns in my path: and it is here, here,” she added, placing her hand upon her breast, “ that the serpent gnaws—that the flame burns—and that the unseen worm preys upon my vitals!?? “¢ Selina—O Selina! am I the cause of this??? “ Yes—but unintentionally so: and when once I shall have unburthened my mind to you, De Rosann, I shall experience a certain peace—a repose which my lacerated heart requires. In all this 1 can attach no blame to you—-’tis my own perverse destiny that has thus taught me to experience the miseries as well as the joys of life. Do you think that my journey, from my birth to my grave, is to pass amidst gay and smiling prospects? Oh! no—I am not more unfortunate than the rest of mankind! Deep as the impression now is—great as are the ravages that my luckless affection has made upon my mind, even in a period of three short weeks—time, and time only, will moderate the pain, if it cannot altogether eradicate the sting. And do not imagine that your presence will afflict me for the future: as long as you remain in the city, call upon us as usual, and we will be friends instead of—” ‘‘Generous girl!’’ exclaimed De Rosann ; “ Eloise could not be jealous of one whose disposition is so noble!” “¢ My ridiculous passion demanded a severe punish- ment,’? continued Selina: “and the awkwardness of my situation in being thus obliged to make an avowak which lacerates my heart, wounds my pride, and re- volts against the purity of my sentiments, is an ample penalty for the levity of my conduct. You are a man of honour—you are upright and noble in your dispo- -sition—you have heard my sad confession—and you will not publish my secret to the world. Let it remain (E@) =) a iNOOLKS (Cc)