Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 248: what you’re looking at

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

Alfred de Rosann. 215 CHAPTER XXX. LEBLOND. De Rosann knocked at the door of the house which Mr. Clayton, his sister-in-law, and niece, had left two days before. The porter answered his summons, and informed him of the family’s sudden departure. Our hero remained for some moments nivetted to the spot in stupid astonishment, unable to utter a word: and he was only recalled to himself by the sight of a note which the porter placed in his hands. He tore it open as if life and death were de- endant on the contents, and with a beating heart read the follow- ing words : — ‘¢ Dearest Alfred, ‘¢The tongue of calumny has prejudiced my uncle against you, and made my mother still more resolute than ever to terminate any engagement existing between us. I alone am convinced of your constant fidelity, for I judge you by myself. A man, named Belle-Rose, has poured the syllables of poison into the ears of Mr. Clayton. He accuses you of paying your addresses to a banker’s daughter in London, and declares that you have met with a repulse. Pardon me, dear Alfred, if I repeat the scandalous tale which I firmly believe to be false. You must write to Mr. Clayton, and refute such vile aspersions on your character: for he is so indignant at your supposed misconduct, that he would not listen to you were you to demand an interview, to avoid which he has resolved to leave St. Malo and return to Paris. Address your letter to our old apart- ments, which we are to occupy again, in the Rue des Pyramides ; and do not be alarmed at the suddenness of our departure. The obstacle will be easily surmounted—Mr. Clayton cannot refuse to read your defence—and he is not unjust, nor deaf to the voice of reason, when his passions have had time to cool, and his wrath is moderated. ‘¢ Believe me, my dear Alfred, ‘¢ Ever your most affectionate ‘¢ KroriseE CLayton.” ‘‘ Noble girl—generous disposition!” exclaimed Alfred, care- fully folding up the letter and placing it next to his heart. He then remunerated the porter, who smiled significantly, as if he were aware that the tender note related to a love-affair: but our hero did not stay to notice the man’s animated countenance, nor the polite bows he made in return for the fifteen francs he had so easily earned. Disappointed, but far from despairing, De Rosann returned to the inn; and, notwithstanding the fatigues of travelling which he had already endured, he ordered a post-chaise to be got ready immediately. The services of four horses were this time put in COnicbooolks (GO)