Alfred de Rosann — page 190: what you’re looking at

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

ALFRED DE ROSANN. 181 topic, had not a violent knock at the door startled her as she was about to speak. loise’s heart palpitated violently—a well-known step was heard on the oaken floor of the anti-chamber—and a servant announced M: De Rosann. Forgetful of her mother’s presence, Eloise arose and threw herself into his arms: and the lovers indulged in along and fervent embrace. Mrs. Clayton sate stupified upon her chair, undecided how to act, and trembling with emotions she could scarcely account for. Alfred saluted her respectfully, and turned to grasp the hand of Mr. Clayton, who made up by the cordiality of his weleome for the coldness of his stern but conscientious sister-in-law. ‘‘T have only this moment received your note, or I should have hastened hither before,’’ said De Rosann, addressing himself to Mr. Clayton. ‘Tt was dated yesterday, but was not sent till this ‘morning,’”’ returned that gentleman. ‘“ For three days and three nights I have not been to the hotel,’’ continued Alfred: “I have laboured in the defence of my country’s rights.” ‘What! did you engage in the strife—in the re- volution ?”’ exclaimed Eloise, turning pale at the bare idea of her lover’s danger, although it was now past. “I did my duty, Eloise,” cried our hero, a glow of satisfaction and pride animating his countenance: “TI led a gallant band to the aid of my fellow countrymen that fought in the cause of freedom ; and I have ere now been informed of the death of the unfortunate Belle-Rose, whom I rescued from destruction.” “Was it you that brought Belle-Rose hither?” cried Mr. Clayton in astonishment. “I wonder how the portress could fail to mention the circumstance ger “She has just explained to me her motives,” an- swered De Rosann; “and I could not do otherwise than approve of her delicacy and forethought.”’ “The same motives must account for her silence concerning yourself, when the dying sinner confessed the falsity of the calumnies he had uttered against you, and that prejudiced you in my estimation. But yoL. I1.—16 CONIC OO KS (E@)