Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 220: what you’re looking at

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

Alfred de Rosann. 189 am not more fortunate than the rest of mankind! Deep as the im- pression now is—great as are the ravages that my luckless affection as made upon my mind, even in a period of three short weeks— time, and time only, will moderate the pain, if it cannot altogether eradicate the sting. And do not imagine that your presence will afflict me for the future: as long as you remaiu in this city, call upon us as usual, and we will be friends instead of —” | ‘‘ Generous girl!” exclaimed De Rosann: * Eloise could not be jealous of one whose disposition is so noble !” ‘¢ My ridiculous passion demanded a severe punishment,” con- tinued Selina: ‘‘and the awkwardness of my situation in being thus obliged to make an avowal which lacerates my heart, wounds my pride, and revolts against the purity of my sentiments, is an ample penalty for the levity of my conduct. You are a man of honour—you are upright and noble in your dispositton—you have heard my sad confession—and you will not publish my secret to the world. Let it remain in two memories only—let us each carry it to the tomb. And when you lead your destined bride to the altar, recollect, De Rosann, that there is one in the world who gives you her blessing, and who will offer up prayers for your future hap- piness. My heart is now relieved of a heavy load—lI feel calmer than I have done for some days past—my feelings are less acute— my mind is less agitated. And now let me conclude with a prayer that you will not think the worse,of me, for having been obliged to explain my emotions, aud to unveil the secrets of my soul.” ‘‘ Think the worse of you, Miss Robson!” ejaculated our hero, astonished at the supposition. ‘‘ I admire your character, and the ming’ed delicacy and firmness of your mind, the more I hear you speak, and the more I hecome acquainted with your thoughts. And, O! pardon the occasional levity, the frequent absence of mind, which have thus imposed upon you; and let me breathe a supplica- tion to you not to imagine that I was wilfully guilty of an action the most cowardly and the most base! Had I never seen Eloise— or had I seen you first, Miss Robson—it might have been different : God only can look into the future—God only can judge of what would have happened ;—the evil of to-day is sufficient for us to know.” ‘¢Say no more upon the subject,” cried Selina: ‘Jet us give each other a promise of friendship—and I must endeavour to con- tent myself with that chilling appellation of what I feel. From this moment forget the past—and persuade yourself that the adven- tures of the last hour are a dream—a baseless vision.” ‘¢ Farewell for the present,” said De Rosann, anxious to return home to compose the agitation of his mind: ‘‘and when next we meet, we encounter each other as friends. Adieu!” On his return to his hotel, when he entered his sitting-room, he found a note lying upon the table. He hastily opened it, and read as follows :— ‘¢ A dying man, who is anxious to make his peace with all his fellow-creatures, ere he quits this world of sin, implores M. De COnicbooolks (GO)