Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

Alfred de Rosann. o in a mean abode, but that he hoped to be shortly able to effect his escape from the French metropolis, and once more seek the hospitable shores of England. f:e concluded by stating that he had already des- patched his money to London, so as not to be burdened with a weighty charge on the day of his anticipated flight from a city where continued horrors were being perpetrated around him. These were the last tidings that ever Mr. Clayton received of the unfortunate d’Estelle. _Weeks—months—years rolled away—and still he returned not to the abode where dwelt his daughter and his friends. Horrible suspicions arose in the surgeon’s mind; he doubted not that the gallant French had fallen a victim to his rashness; and as day succeeded day, and no traces of him nor his fate could be discovered, hope was forsaken, and despair usurped its place. tt was now that the generous and noble dispositions of Mr. Clayton and his amiable wife exemplified themselves in a more striking man- ner than ever. Instead of recollecting or feeling, as many in their situations would have done, that they were encumbered witb a child who was not their own, but astranger’s offspring—instead of looking upon the innocent creature in the light of an orphan whom charity obliged them to keep, they treated Eloise with even additional kindness, if possible and as she grew up, no expense was spared on her education. eautiful and accomplished, she became as dear to them as their own children ; and never—never once did her humane guardians suffer her to experience the slightest embarrassment on account of her dependent situation. The boyish attachment of Henry to the interesting orphan ripened with years, and increased as they both grew older. At first he looked ‘upon Eloise as a sister—then asa familiar friend—and at last with the downcast eyes and bashful glances of a lover. His parents failed not to ‘notice these gradual and progressive changes; and so far from being vexed at the preference which their younger son manifested in favour of their beautiful ward before the other ladies of his acquaint- ance, they did all they could to encourage a passion which would en- sure a happy lot for Eloise, and put Henry in possession of a wife whose charms and accomplishments rendered her worthy of the highest distinction. Henry had embraced his father’s profession, and bade fair to create for himself a similar reputation. William had entered into a commer- cial establishment, and was making a rapid fortune by means of happy. speculations and unremitting attention to his business, when he was invited to be present at the nuptials of his brother. Eloise was now Hineteen years of age. She was beautiful beyond description, pos- sessed a variety of accomplishments, and was sincerely attached to him whose future fortunes were so soon to be linked with her’s. At length the auspicious morning dawned—a brilliant cavalcade left the house of Mr. Clayton—and the ceremony was performed at St. James’s Church, in Piccadilly, a select number of relatives and friends being alone invited to witness the celebration of the hymeneal rites. The year 1812 was an eventful one for the family of Clayton. The marriage of Eloise and Henry was the only happy circumstance which marked it; all else was sad and sorrowful. Mr. Clayton, en- couraged by the successful speculations of his elder son, embarked a COnicbooolks (GO)