Alfred; or, The Adventures of a French Gentleman — page 186: what you’re looking at

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

OF A FRENCH GENTLEMAN. Lou already struck twelve—and I must answer them all before sun-set. So do leave me alone for the present, and pay your respects to the ladies in the drawing room; it is not too early for a friend like yourself.” ‘© 7 will avail myself of your permission,” said De Rosann, “ and communicate in person the certainty of my departure the day after to-morrow.” Selina was alone in the drawing room when De Rosann entered. As he ascended the stairs, the sounds of her harp fell upon his ears : and they ceased the moment he touched the handle of the door. If {1 have intruded upon you at so unseemly an hour, Miss Rob- son, your father alone must bear the blame; for he it was who sent me hither—and with a particular purpose—” ‘¢ My father was aware that you would be well received, M. De Rosann,” returned the young lady: ‘‘ and may I know the parti- cular purpose which has procured me this unexpected pleasure?” she added playfully, and blushing, slightly, fearful of appearing imprudently familiar. ‘To announce my speedy departure,” answered Alired. ‘‘Your departure!” cried Selina, her countenance losing its vermilion tinge, and becoming deadly pale. ‘‘Good God! you are ill—you are unwell, Miss Robson!” exclaimed De Rosann, noticing the death-like pallor that over- spread her features, and running forward to lead her to a chair. ‘Thank you—it is nothing—a sudden pain—it is past,” said the 3 ° poor girl, casting down her eyes to conceal a confusion that was too — evident, while her cheek and neck were once more suffused with a deep crimson dye. A pause of some minutes ensued— De Rosgann felt uneasy; he knew not wherefore—and Selina could not suppressasich. ‘¢ You were practising when I intruded upon your privacy, Miss Robson,” said De Rosann, at length breaking a silence which was equally disagreeable to himself and hiscompanion. ‘ Pray resume your music—and perhaps I might venture to solicit you to add the melody of a sweet voice to the harmony of your instrument.”’ ‘¢ Excuse me this morning, M. De Rosann; I am not very well —a sick head-ache—an oppression of the spirits I cannot account for—have robbed me of all inclination to continue my amuse- ment—” ‘‘Even to oblige me,” added Alfred in a tone of respectful familiarity which he had adopted since the evening of La Motte’s exposure; for although that evening was the first he had ever passed in the society of Miss Selina Robson, the footing on which he stood with the parents entitled him to be considered in the light of something more than a common acquaintance. ‘‘Nay—if you particularly desire me to return to my harp,” began Selina, a partial confusion again appearing in her manner. ‘* Not for worlds, Miss Robson, if you be ill—and you really do not look well,” exclaimed De Rosann, gazing for a moment intently yet not rudely—because his glances betokened interest, and no gross passion—on the countenance of Selina. She was pale, and a tear glistened in her eye: De Rosann ECORMICLOOOKS» EO