Alfred de Rosann — page 193: what you’re looking at

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

184 : ALFRED DE ROSANN. lieve himself and her he adored of a terrible suspense, ‘ suffer me to show you that J am more generous than you, madam—and that I bear you no ill-will; no ran- corous feeling do I entertain against you. I shall go hence and be unhappy—but first I must perform a duty which Providence alone could have charged me to acquit.”’ 3 ‘¢ No—no—you shall be happy!’’ shouted Mr. Clay- ton, casting terrible glances at his sister-in-law. «“ Allow me to say two words more,’’ interrupted Alfred, mildly, “and I have done. Mrs. Clayton,’’ he continued, turning towards that lady, and address- ing himself to her, “ will you permit me to inquire if you be acquainted with the real name and rank of your | late father?’ “Certainly not!” cried Mr. Clayton, starting from his seat; “and will you believe the ridiculous vow my sister has made relative to your engagement with her daughter? She declares that her approbation shall alone be elicited when you develop those very mysteries to which you have just alluded.” ~ “?Tis singular!’? exclaimed De Rosann, a gleam of irrepressible joy illuminating his handsome features. «“ Then it remains for me to perform the rest.”?7 ‘¢ How? what?” shouted the uncle, throwing himself upon his chair, and resigning himself to the bitter con- viction that Alfred was about to manifest a proper spi- rit, and retort upon Mrs. Clayton as she deserved, but in a manner that would break the heart of Eloise. “ Madam, you are the daughter of the Marquis de Denneville!’’ said our hero, addressing himself to Mrs. Clayton. ‘¢ Tmpossible!’? cried the mother, fixing the eye of astonishment upon De Rosann, and waiting with breath- less anxiety to hear more. “ Yes——madam,” he continued; “ you are the daugh- ter of the Marquis de Denneville. Your property, amounting to thirty-two thousand pounds, English money, is at your disposal. There are the deeds which prove the truth of my statement, and which will esta- Gomichbooks co