Alfred; or, The Adventures of a French Gentleman — page 143: what you’re looking at

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

ie hs: ALFRED; OR ADVENTURES that perhaps a sittle pride may have something to do with my sister-in-law’s present repugnance to the union of yourself and her daughter. She has imbibed the idea that her father was a French nobleman of rank and fortune, and has persuaded herself that she must honour his name and his family —although she be unacquainted with both—to the utmost of her ability. All women have some weakness of the kind, De Rosann ; and we must look with a cha- ritable eye on the failings of our fellow-creatures. Let us there- fore devise some plan by which we can surmount the obstacles which diametrically oppose your wishes.” ‘‘ You forget, my dear Sir, that I am an outlawed being—an individual whom the first Gendarme may arrest as a criminal—a felon escaped from the galleys. No profession~-no trade can re- ceive me: my sole hope is in the secret service to which I am more or less attached ; and if I could obtain a deeper insight into the mysterious sources of power and intrigue which have ere now assisted me, I might be enabled to procure a full pardon ; for the hand that commanded the stamp and the endorsement of the authorities at the Prefecture de Police, can doubtless cbtain the royal signature to an act of mercy or justice.” ‘¢ Your observations are those of a wise man, Alfred, said Mr. Clayton ; ‘‘and if you would follow my advice—” ‘¢ The counsel of so distinguished a friend is a command to me,” interrupted De Rosanu, looking up to his companion with a species of filial attachment and respect ‘‘ Nay, my dear boy,” returned Mr. Clayton, flattered by this remark ; ‘¢I do not mean to usurp « power which I have no right to assume. But if you relish my advice, follow it; and on the present occasion, I should think that you would do well:—nay, more, I should even strongly recommend you to hasten to Paris, and seek an interview with Leblond. He is, perhaps, merely an agent; but he evidently knows more than you relative to the ser- vice he is embarked in; and by the help of a bribe—for I dare say he is like the generality of the world, poor or avaricious— you may obtain some valuable information at his hands. And _ this idea puts me in mind of another, De Rosann—a delicate subject, it is true.” ‘‘ Speak,” said Alfred; ‘* you need not be under any restraint with me, particularly since I possess your friendship.” ‘“Tam glad you have uttered these words,” cried Mr. Ulayton joyfully ; ‘* they have relieved me of half the awkwardness of my task. But to the point. De Rosann, I know the present state of your circumstances—do not interrupt me; and am delighted that capricious fortune has put it in my power to aid you—that is, to do the same towards you as you would have done towards me had I stood in your position, and you in mine. ‘This pocket-book,” he continued, taking one from the breast of his coat, ‘‘ contains bills upon a merchant’s house, at St. Malo, for twenty thousand francs; they are payable to the bearer, and therefore do not require my endorsement. You will give me your note of hand on ani her occasion.” CORNICLOOKS (E()