Alfred de Rosann — page 172: what you’re looking at

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

ALFRED DE ROSANN. 163 found backward in serving those to whom I am under a thousand obligations. But wherefore this reserve?’’ exclaimed De Rosann : “ wherefore—’’ “Seek not as yet to be acquainted with mysteries I dare not develop. Recollect that I am only an agent—that I do not even myself know the entire arcana which you are desirous should be exposed to your view, and that I am subservient to higher authorities, whose mandates I cannot disobey. Even ‘in my own dwelling—in this room where we are now talking—would my life be taken from me, if I be- trayed the little entrusted tome. The very walls of Paris have ears—spies are in every quarter; you think you converse with a common acquaintance in a café, or a news-room, and your words are repeated again ; thence are your actions judged. As I informed you in my letter, the moment when you are to act for those who have befriended you, will proclaim its own arrival—will denote by terrible signs its own presence. Wait patiently, therefore—that moment may be in an hour—to-morrow—or a year hence.’’ “Tt would be indelicate for me to question you farther,’’? said De Rosann, considerably disappointed at the probable result of his visit, which instead of explaining only increased the mystery he was so anxious to penetrate. ‘‘ You have no farther com- mands for me at present.’’ “None,” returned Leblond. ‘ But before you de- part, allow me to ask you a few questions, and do not deem them impertinent.”’ ‘Speak! I. shall answer your interrogations with pleasure.”’ “You have no idea of entering into business a second time?”’ “Not the slightest. I am totally unfitted for com- mercial transactions; they neither suit my taste nor my ability.”’ } “Nor do you intend to embrace any profession?” “ Decidedly not. Iam perhaps on the eve of mar- EORMICLOOKS (E@)