Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 146: what you’re looking at

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

Alfred de Rosann. 119 De Rosann received the pocket-book with thanks. The gentle- manly and kind manner in which it was tendered did not admit of another objection on the part of even the most fatidious. ‘‘ It is, therefore, well understood,” said Mr. Clayton, continuing the conversation for the express purpose of appearing to dismiss from his memory the pecuniary transaction which had just taken place, ‘‘ that you do not speak to my sister-in-law at present, rela- tive to your engagement with Eloise—that you immediately pro- ceed to Paris, and endeavour to make a friend, or rather a tool of Leblond—that you write to me as often as you choose, feeling cer- tain of receiving exact replies; and that the ladies and myself will remain at St. Malo for the present, until I see how matters turn out, and what afflictions or blessings Fortune may have in store for us.” ‘¢] shall correspond with you as often as I know the slightest incident worth relating,” answered De Rosann: then, after a moment's hesitation, he added, “and if I were occasionally to enclose a line to Eloise, my dear Mr. Clayton ?” “It would be punctually delivered,” was the prompt reply. ‘‘ To prove that your noble confidence does not stand even the remotest chance of being abused, I shall invariably leave the notes intended for Eloise unsealed.” ‘¢ In which case I shall as invariably send them back to you,” returned Mr. Clayton. ‘‘ Now, attend to me, Alfred. Iam nota mere go-between—a cat’s paw in this affair; but I act from prin- ciple, and with the firmest conviction of your honourable intentions: I love my niece too much to sacrifice her happiness for want of a little complaisance on my part; and I should not be ashamed if all the world were made aware of my conduct. So seal your letters, De Rosann : a man who could act basely towards the purest of God's creatures would be a wretch only fit to be trampled under foot.” : De Rosann was about to reply in suitable terms to this last proof of Mr. Clayton’s excellent heart and noble disposition, when a loud. ery of ‘Stop him! stop him!” met his ears; and in a moment Azor rushed past, with a large bone in his mouth. De Rosann suspected somewhat of the real truth; and he was not exceedingly astonished to see Champignon, the white night-cap on his head, and the soup-ladle in his hand, pursuing the fugitive animal at a pace that did not give much promise of overtaking him. Cham- pignon’s face was smeared with flour, save the tips of his nose and chin, which exhibited a fearful rubicundity, the effects of stooping near a large fire. The perspiration ran down his cheeks, forming furrows in the white powder that yielded to the large drops whic fell from his forehead, where a thick paste began to appear. Still he relaxed not in the ardour of his chase, but persisted in running after the dog like a madman. Presently, a high pailing arreste his course; Azor had managed to creep between the bars, and was already in the midst of the adjoining field, when Champignon was seated on the top of the fence, hesitating whether he should descend with a leap, as the ground was much lower on the other side. COnicbooolks (GO)