Alfred de Rosann — page 173: what you’re looking at

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

164 ALFRED DE ROSANN. riage—at least I hope so—and shall therefore become a peaceable citizen.”’ “Have you any private resources of your own?’’ inquired Leblond. ‘‘T lately inherited a considerable sum of money,’’ replied our hero. | ‘¢ You intend to reside in Paris for the present ?7’ “Yes; particularly as it is uncertain when my ser- vices may be required,’’ answered Alfred, alluding to his present companion’s own words. “ Good!”’ cried Leblond, rising from his seat. “I am obliged to you for the frankness with which you have replied to my queries, and again repeat that you will not go unrewarded, if you continue to evince the same zealous disposition in the cause of patrons whose power, whose authority, and whose means are exten- sive, although as yet invisible.’’ “ Might I be allowed to ask if Belle-Rose be still engaged in the same service?”’ said De Rosann, after a momentary pause. , “He is,’’? returned Leblond, casting his eye over one of the pages of a pondrous book, on which was written an immense number of names, with the profes- sions, abodes, and resources of the individuals thus in- scribed on the leaves of the vast folio. ‘And, if I mistake not,’’ added Leblond, once more referring to the book, “he is at this moment in Paris. But per- haps you have seen him?”’ ‘“ No; I asked for information,’? remarked De Ro- sann, “and to have an opportunity of advising you to beware of him; for there is no meanness, baseness, nor treachery, of which he is not capable.” “But he cannot cheat us,’’ answered Leblond, with a peculiar emphasis: ‘he dare not even if he wished and had the power to deceive your masters and mine.”’ De Rosann had nothing to reply to this assurance ; he accordingly took his leave of Leblond, and re- turned to Meurice’s hotel, where he shut himself up in his room to ponder on the conversation that had ECORMICLOOOKS.(6O)