Alfred de Rosann — page 63: what you’re looking at

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

54 ALFRED DE ROSANN. ‘OQ yes; and a colonel in the army too,”’ answered Belle-Rose. ‘In that case I cannot refuse you the little advance you require,’”’ exclaimed the banker, suffering it to appear that the rank, titles, family, and numerous appointments of Belle-Rose, had originated this sud- den resolution in his. favour. It was now that Mr. Robson made use of the soz- disant Count’s own falsehoods as weapons against him. ~~ “Of course, you have a good account open with your banker in Paris, Monsieur d’Elsigny.’’ “QO certainly; this accommodation is merely tem- porary.”’ “J thought so: in that ease you will be so kind as to sign an agreement, by which the documents be- come my own exclusive property, if you do not repay me within the space of one fortnight. This is merely a matter of form, you know; because your fortune and rank in life can always command ten thousand francs—it would be strange if you could not—eh! eh!’’ “Thank God! the chateau d’Elsigny exists still!’ eried Belle-Rose, “so e’en draw up your deeds as you choose; and instead of a fortnight, put ten days.” “ You act like a nobleman,”’ said °Mr. Robson, with an imperturbable gravity which defied the slightest suspicion of its. sincerity. To be brief, the agreement was concoeted aceord- ing to the pena ment of Belle-Rose—the four hun- dred pounds were counted down upon the table—and the documents were handed over to the banker. When Belle-Rose had placed the bank-notes in his pocket-book, and when Mr. Robson had satisfied himself by a reference to a memorandum De Rosann had given him, that the papers were correct, both in number and identity, he could no longer contain the mingled contempt and indignation which he had nursed during the last hour; but he burst forth in a strain as vehement, if not as eloquent, as that made - COPMICLOOK<S.COnn