Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 13: what you’re looking at

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

4 Alfred de Rosann. accounts from the London journals. At length they separated, but not before M. d’Estelle had given his fellow-countryman a rendez- vous for the next day. The noble refugee returned home to the dwelling of his friends ; and in the course of the evening, when pressed to reveal the cause of his thoughtfulness, he declared his intention of undertaking a journey to his own native land, and proposed to start in a day or two, adding that the political changes, which had just taken place at Paris, introduced certain particular friends of his own into offices of some eminence. Mr. Clayton saw that d’Estelle’s mind was made up; he therefore refrained from using any remonstrance; but when the appointed hour came, he saw the daring Frenchman depart with an anxious heart. ‘“ You have nothing particular to tell me, my friend?” said he, d’Estelle’s hand trembling in his own, as they stood on the steps of the door, at which a carriage was waiting. ‘Oh! no—nothing—save athousand thanks for all your kindness,” was the reply. ‘I shall soon return, and then may perhaps have somewhat to unfold. Adieu!” And the post-chaise was speedily out of sight. Mr. Clayton felt disappointed. He knew that d’Estelle had much to reveal—he was aware that those revelations must also materially affect his daughter’s welfare. But in another moment he consoled himself with the idea that his friend had certainly committed to paper the secrets which he so carefully concealed in his own breast, and which sentiments of false pride prevented him from unfolding even to those who entertained the most lively interest in his fortunes. D’Estelle departed—and left his infant child to the care of those in whom he could trust, and who did not betray the confidence he placed in them; for had Eloise been the daugiter of the worthy people her father had selected as her guardians, she could not have experienced greater kindness, nor have been the object of more sincere attach- ment. Henry, whose years so much exceeded her’s, made the in- teresting little being his constant playmate, and doted upon her with more than fraternal love. A fortnight after M. d’Estelle’s departure, letters were received by his friends in England to announce his safe arrival in the capital of France, and impart the hopes he entertained of securing the large pro- perty which had been the principal cause of his leaving England. He concluded his welcome epistle by desiring Clayton to send him occa- sional news of his daughter, and to address all letters to him under the name of d’Estelle, Poste Restant,* Paris. At the expiration of six weeks another despatch from the father of Eloise contained the wel- come intelligence that he had succeeded in obtaining possession of an immense sum of money, and that he should return to England as speedily as possible, the moment certain negotiations of a pacific nature were terminated for him by an influential relative. Another month elapsed, and a letter, bearing the foreign post-mark, was again put into Clayton’s hands. M. d’Estelle informed his friend that he had been grossly deceived by the political relative to whom he had before alluded, that he was obliged to seek a momentary refuge * Letters so addressed are to be kept till called fur. COnicbooolks (GO)