Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 142: what you’re looking at

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

Alfred de Rosann. M7 yourself to hear more sad news, of which it is my duty to make you aware.” ‘¢ Speak !—O speak!” cried De Rosann, a convulsive shudder passing through his frame. ‘¢ Not to keep you in suspense any longer,” returned Mr. Clay- ton, ‘‘ my sister-in-law is averse to—” | ‘‘ My love for her daughter Eloise,” added De Rosann. “I fancied as much this morning—last night—whatever might be the hour—when I aided you to carry her in the chair to yonder barn. O I guessed her secret thoughts from the chilling manner in which she received me. - But I did not suffer her unkindness to vex me ; for she dare not oppose the wishes of her daughter in a matter of such vital importance to that daughter’s felicity.” ‘¢ Alas! you do not know Mrs. Clayton, De Rosann : she fan- cies she is acting right, because she acts conscientiously ; and when a mother has those ideas, it 1s difficult to eradicate them from her mind.” ‘‘ But your influence, Mr. Clayton—your advice—Eloise’s tears . —a beloved child’s, an only child’s prayers, Mr. Clayton—joined to my supplication on bended knees—in that humiliating posture, my dear sir—”’ ‘¢ Calm yourself, Alfred ; you speak at random : let us converse | quietly and rationally—as men, and not as stage-actors. Pardon this rebuke ; I am familiar with you, De Rosann, because I love you as a relative—as a son; and you may rely upon my aid in all your embarrassments. Why!.would you believe it, that when we debated as to which sea-port town we should go to, in order to pass the summer, I suggested St. Malo, to be as near as possible to you ; and thus, on our journey thither, has the fortunate breaking of our carriage enabled us to meet.” ‘¢So deep. a debt of gratitude shall I never be able to repay ; but, as long as you are my friend, I do not despair of possessing Eloise,” exclaimed De Rosann. ‘¢'You must not think of moving her mother,” said Mr. Clayton, ‘‘ by tears and prayers. My sister-in-law thinks she acts from motives purely conscientious, and bearing reference to nothing save her daughter’s welfare ; whereas I fancy that a little sentiment of pride has a certain influence on her actions. She has an idea that er father was some great personage—you know she is of French extraction ?”’ ‘¢ Yes; Eloise has occasionally spoken of her grandfather,” re- turned De Rosann. ‘¢ But Eloise has never related to you any particulars relative te his extraordinary disappearance, et cetera?” enquired Mr. ayton. rd Never,” answered Alfred. ‘* You know we were seldom alone for five minutes together, during the whole period when I was accustomed to visit at your house ; and Eloise rarely alluded to her deceased relatives in the presence of her mother.” ‘‘ Well, the history is somewhat long, and I will tell it to you on another occasion,” said Mr. Clayton ; ‘* but I was remarking, COMRnIClooo SS (GO)