Alfred; or, The Adventures of a French Gentleman — page 254: what you’re looking at

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

OF A FRENCH GENTLEMA |, 919 me, if I betrayed the little entrusted to me. The very walls of Paris have ears—spies are in every quarter; you think you con- verse with a common acquaintance in a café, or a news-room, and your words are repeated again; thence are your actions judged. As I informed you in my letter, the moment when you are to act for those who have befriended you, will proclaim its own arrival— will denote by terrible signs its own presence. Wait patiently, therefore—that moment may be in an hour—to-morrow—or a year hence.” ‘¢Tt would be indelicate for me to question you farther,” said De Rosann, considerably disappointed at the probable result of his visit, which instead of explaining only increased the mystery he was so anxious to penetrate. ‘* You have no farther commands for me at present.” ‘¢ None,” returned Leblond. ‘* But before you depart, allow me to ask you a few questions, and do not deem them impertinent.” ** Speak! I shall answer your interrogations with pleasure.” ‘¢ You have no idea of entering into business a second time ?” ‘¢ Not the slightest. I am totally unfitted for commercial trans- actions; they neither suit my taste nor my ability.” ‘¢ Nor do you intend to embrace any profession ?” -* Decidedly not. I am perhaps on the eve of marriage—at least, I hope so—and shall therefore become a peaceable citizen.” ‘¢ Have you any private resources of your own?” enquired Le- blond. ‘‘ T lately inherited a considerable sum of money,” replied our hero. ‘¢ You intend to reside in Paris for the present ?” ‘¢ Yes; particularly as it is uncertain when my services may be required,” answered Alfred, alluding to his present companion’s own words. ‘‘ Good!” cried Leblond, rising from his seat. “* I am obliged to you for the frankness with which you have replied to my queries, and again repeat that you will not go unrewarded, if you continue to evince the same: zealous disposition in the cause of patrons whose power, whose authority, and whose means are extensive, although as yet invisible.” «¢ Might I be allowed to ask if Belle-Rose be still engaged in the same service?” said De Rosann, after a momentary pause. ‘¢ He is,” returned Leblond, casting his eye over one of the pages of a ponderous book, on which was written an immense number of names, with the professions, abodes, and resources of the individuals thus inscribed on the leaves of the vast folio. ‘¢ And, if I mistake not,’ added Leblond, once more referring to the book, “he is at this moment in Paris. But perhaps you have seen him?” ‘¢ No; I asked for information,” remarked De Rosann, ‘ and to have an opportunity of advising you to beware of him; for there is no meanness, baseness, nor treachery, of which he is not capable.” ‘¢ But he cannot cheat us,” answered Leblond, with a peculiaa GomicdooksnGco