Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 183: what you’re looking at

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

154 Alfred de Rosann. once more over his right ear, ran his fingers throug his hair, and resumed his former swagger as he turned into the Poultry, CHAPTER XXII. SELINA ROBSON. NotuHinea could exceed the joy of our hero, when, at the expira- tion of the ten days specified in the agreement between Mr. Robson and Belle-Rose, the documents were duly handed over to him by the worthy banker, who had taken such trouble to reserve them from the adventurer’s grasp. ‘“’T was a hard battle, my dear De Rosann: but I fought it courageously on your account, The rogue was as deep as a finished scoundrel well could be. As long as I live, I shall never forget his extravagant tales, which he told with such an air of sincerity, that a person less experienced than myself, would certainly have believed them. I met him yesterday morning in the Strand, and he had the impertinence to make me a low bow. I did not, however, care to acknowledge it; and the fellow, nothing discouraged, cried out in a familiar manner, ‘Ah! Robson—my boy—how are you?’ he was hanging on the arm of another gentleman; and I heard him say as I passed by them, ‘ That is my banker—I am good for a thousand pounds with him, thank God!’—Did you ever hear such effrontery?’’ ‘There is not a man in Europe more capable of suppressing a blush than he,” said De Rosann. ‘“ But let us forget the Count d’Elsigny, and rejoice at the recovery of these precious deeds.” - ‘You will shortly return to France, Alfred—and we shall lose the pleasure of your company. You know youare a mighty favor- ite at home—Mrs. Robson loves you as her own son— Mary declares you are the handsomest young man she ever saw—and Selina 1s equally ardent in her praises of your talents and literary acquire- ments.” ‘‘ Flattery—pure flattery, my dear Mr. Robson!” cried De Ro- sann. ‘* But let me answer your question about my return to France. Much as I am unwilling to resign, after so short and agreeable an acquaintance, the pleasure of” passing my evenings with your amiable family, circumstances—urgent circumstances, connected with these papers—will oblige me to depart almost immediately.”’ ‘“And what is the meaning of immediately ?” enquired the banker with a smile. ‘‘ To-day—to-morrow—or in a week ?” ‘‘The day after to-morrow: you know I promised to stay for Colonel Wentworth’s—or rather Mrs. Wentworth’s ball; and as you procured me the honour of their acquaintance and of the invi- tation, I would neither pay so bad a compliment to yourself, nor to your friends, as to disappear on the eve of the grand fele.” ‘‘ Bravo!” exclaimed the banker. ‘And now, without any ceremony, my dear boy, you must make your exit from my office. Look at this pile of letters—not one opened yet—the clock has ECONlNCOOOlKS.CO