Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 224: what you’re looking at

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

Alfred de Rosann. 193 CHAPTER XXVII. THE DEPARTURE. In the same desk, which had contained the will of the penitent La Motte, was a sealed document addressed to De Rosann. This was the statement of the departed man relative to the circumstances attending the forgery, duly witnessed by two respectable house- keepers and by the French consul. De Rosann gladly possessed himself of this important deed, the contents of wh communicate «ven to Mr. Robson, for motives which scarcely re- quire explanation. With Mrs. Clayton alone would the confession of La Motte’s crimes be chiefly availing; and Alfred anticipated the pleasure he should experience when he presented himself before the conscientious mother, and produced the many recommendations he now bore in his favour, amongst which his sudden accession of wealth would not probably be the slightest. A few days after the performance of the funeral obsequies of the deceased La Motte, our hero was surprised by a visit from Belle- Rose, whose shabby clothes, dirty appearance, and unchanged linen, betokened one of those sudden reverses of fortune to which the adventurer was far from unaccustomed. His hat was never- theless still inclined to the right side two inches out of the perpen- dicular; and he endeavoured to make up by the increase of his swagger for the miserable appearance of his person. ‘¢ De Rosann—my dear fellow,” cried Belle-Rose, throwing himself uninvited upon the sofa, and dirtying one of the cushions with his boot, ‘‘I understand you are in luck—a favorite of Madame Fortune—while I am as poor as a peasant of Auvergne. "Tis true, I could eat up all France and Navarre in six months, if any one would give me the chance. But that does not put guineas into my pocket; and I already owe a tolerable round sum to Markham.” ‘¢ M. Belle-Rose,”’ said Alfred,: firmly, and in a severe tone of voice, ‘“ I thought that when we tacitly concluded our agreement— @ compact you yourself suggested—”’ ‘s That we should remain mortal enemies, eh? Oh! no,” inter- rupted Belle-Rose; ‘‘ I entertain too sincere an affection for you to continue at warfare. Peace! Peace! is my motto, De Rosann. So give me you band—and a little money in it, if you please; because I am miserably poor.” : ‘¢ For the last time, Belle-Rose, I will accede to your request,” cried our hero, unlocking his writing-desk,- and taking out some money: ‘* but, remember, that this is absolutely the last time; and that if you call upon me again, I will sooner brave exposure at your hands than satisfy your rapacious demands. There are a hundred pounds at your service; take them, and let me see your face no more.’ @) ich he did not COniclooolks (GO)