Alfred de Rosann — page 186: what you’re looking at

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

ALFRED DE ROSANN, 177 with all men. . You are acquainted with Alfred de Rosann—he was my friend—my benefactor. He acted liberally towards me—and I repaid his kindness by ingratitude. There breathes not a nobler character than De Rosann—tell him I said so in my last mo- ments. ‘Tell him that I—yes, I—was one of the three robvers who endeavoured to despoil him of the treasures which were confided to his charge by a mercantile house in London, and which were destined for a person named Leblond, in Paris. Tell him I have done him that grievous wrong—but do not forget to say—’’ “ And his attachment to Miss Robson, the banker’s daughter,”’ cried Mr. Clayton, unable to restrain his impatience, “ the proposal he made for her hand—his repulse—his disappointment—’’ “ All false—all pure invention—all calumny !’’ returned Belle-Rose, hanging down his head, and stifling a sob. “God be thanked !”’ said Mr. Clayton: “his de- fence is as true and correct as I could have wished it to be. We need not wait for Mr. Robson’s letter.’’ “If my levity—-my unpardonable misrepresenta- tions have done him harm in your estimation,” con- tinued Belle-Rose, “ hasten to render him the justice he deserves; for I repeat, that there exists not a nobler character than Alfred de Rosann ?’’ ‘“ Bind his wounds—take care of him—comfort his poor soul—and assure him of pardon on the part of De Rosann ;—I accept his apologies in the name of my friend—tell him he is forgiven,”’ cried Mr. Clay- ton in a hurried tone of voice: and without waiting for a reply, he hastily left the lodge to the astonish- ment of the portress, who nevertheless proceeded to dress the wounds of the dying man. Butall her care was vain—Belle-Rose’ last hour was come—and no human agency could add another day to his existence, nor extend his mis-spent life. He died insensible to the feeble endeavours of those around to procrastinate the fatal moment—and in his death he enjoyed a more honourable reputation than he had acquired during (E) SE COmicbooks