Alfred de Rosann — page 161: what you’re looking at

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

152 ALFRED DE ROSANN. Mr. Clayton with a bitter smile, as he cursed in his own mind the mercenary soul that was capable of for- getting so pure a being as his niece, for the tempta- tions which a wealthy dower could offer.: ‘ But their love was disappointed,’ continued Belle-Rose.. De Rosann proposed—’’ “He proposed,’’ echoed Mr. Clayton. ‘“ AsI tell you,” said Belle-Rose : “ he proposed, and was rejected. The old people knew he had not a farthing, and that their daughter’s money was the only object which attracted him—still the young lady was certainly very pretty—” ‘¢ She was very pretty, eh °”’ again interrupted the uncle. ‘A beautiful creature,’’ returned Belle-Rose: “ and between ourselves—I have not the pleasure of know- ing your name—De Rosann is no bad judge. But, as I was saying, the old people would not consent—a dreadful scene ensued—Miss Selina fainting, and Al- fred threatening to cut his throat. Even IJ, his best and most intimate friend, his confidant throughout the whole aflair—even I was unable to pacify him.’’ ‘Was he so much attached to her ?”’ “ He loved her certainly very sincerely—but he loved her money more.’’ : | ‘¢ And wherefore is he coming back to France ?”’ ‘¢ Because he has met with a repulse that he cannot easily forget,’’ answered Belle- Rose. ‘Thank you for your information—for the news, M. Belle-Rose: I wish you a very good afternoon :’’ and without waiting to give the other an opportunity of returning his salutation, the wrathful uncle turned abruptly away. | Nothing could exceed Mr. Clayton’s indignation. He felt the blow the more deeply, inasmuch as he fancied he had been the innocent means of deluding his niece with false hopes, and of replying to letters filled with perjury, deceit, and falsehood. De Rosann, he thought, never could have loved Eloise save for interested motives; and he resigned her for the first COPMICLOOLK<Sa(EO)