Alfred de Rosann — page 96: what you’re looking at

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

ALFRED DE ROSANN. 87. their ears ; but the particulars of the tale were entirely in favour of our hero; and while his friends deplored the disagreeable occurrence, they could not help ad- miring his noble conduct and manly courage. “TY hope the dispute will lead to no desperate result,’’ said Selina in a low voice, that was almost choked with an internal emotion which she vainly endeavoured to conceal. “The person with whom I had a few words,” answered De Rosann, “is most probably a coward ; and I suspect that there is but little chance of his seeking an honourable satisfaction.” “You wish to make the matter appear more trifling than it really is,’? continued Selina: “ I am, however, certain it 7s serious—and limplore you, M. De Rosann —aif you have any regard—”’ : Selina stopped short in the middle of her sentence ; and when she raised her eyes to De Rosann’s coun- tenance, she saw that he was gazing on her in astonish- ment. An unpleasant impression was immediately conveyed to her mind. She thought that if he felt the slightest interest in her welfare, or that if he knew she was attached to him, he would not have looked at her with wonder, but with gratitude and delight, as she was about to implore him not to dare danger, nor be induced to combat against a common swindler. Alfred noticed that the excitement, which had marked the commencement of her supplication, verged into a- melancholy expression that betrayed an inward sorrow returning with reflection ; and he endeavoured to direct the conversation to other subjects. All -his attempts were, however, unavailing ; Selina per- petually referred to the probability of a duel; and would only abandon the subject when De Rosann assured her that no such fatal result was to be antici- pated. : It was not until four o’clock in the morning that he retired to his couch, where his eyes were soon closed in slumber; and while he dreamt of his faithful Eloise so far away from him in another clime, he wist not (EO) Gomichbook