Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 228: what you’re looking at

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

Alfred de Rosann. 197 ‘¢ Not at all, my love.” ‘¢ I wish you would not love me quite so much, Mr. Robson ; but give yourself the trouble to be a little more explicit.”’ ‘¢ On what subject?” demanded the banker calmly. ‘6 Relative to M. De Rosann’s conduct,” returned Mrs. Robson. ‘+ What has he done?” ‘¢ What has he not done? you mean. After all his flirtation with Selina—after all his marked attention to her— and after all the kindness he has experienced at this house, he has not proposed, and he purposes leaving to-morrow morning.” ‘¢ Now I can be explicit, my dear,” said Mr. Robson with the same provoking calmness, which added to his wife's irritation. ‘¢ M. De Rosann, as you told me yourself, danced twice with Selina at the house of our friends the Wentworths—that was not flirtation. M. De Rosann has paid more attention to Selina than to Mary, or any other lady whom he may have met here, because she under- stands French, and because he cannot speak two words of English —that is not marked attention. And with regard to the kindness we have had it in our power to shew him, a‘few dinners, &c., &c. are not a very considerable return for the service he rendered your husband, Mrs. Robson, in putting an end to that husband’s specu- lative views with regard to Lebrun or La Motte. Therefore, in every point you are entirely refuted; and allow me to request you not only to forget these silly notions of your’s, but also to pay my friend M. De Rosann the usual attention he has been accustomed to receive at my table.” | These words were spoken with a firmness that cxhibited a determination on Mr. Robson's part to be obeyed; aud the discom- fited lady returned to the drawing-room in any thing rather than a good humour. The evening passed away gloomily and sadly. Selina spoke but little—the banker himself was out of spirits ~—and Alfred felt an oppression for which he could not account. Mary was sorry to lose ‘¢so handsome a chaperon” to their morning promenades, as De Rosann—and her mother could not conceal ‘her ill temper at the disappointment she had experienced. At length the clock struck eleven—and our hero rose to depart. He took his leave of the excellent Mr. Robson with unfeigned regret, he thanked him and Mrs. Robson for all their kindness toward him, and promised to write as soon as he should have arrived at Paris. He then bade adieu to Mary more with politeness than regret—and turned to Selina. Her cheek was death-like pale, but no tears dimmed her eyes—her countenance wore rather the expression of despair than of melancholy. He took her trembling hand, and wished her all happiness—she endeavoured to reply—her tongue clave to the roof of her mouth—and her emotions were visible to all present. That instant revealed her secret—the quick glance of her parents and sister detected her unrequited love, and marked her looks, in which was depicted an intensity of agony. ‘ Farewell!” cried De Rosann once more: an almost inaudible “ Adieu!” was returned— he relinquished the burning hand that was clasped in his, and COMRnIClooo SS (GO)