Pickwick Abroad; or, The Tour in France — page 219: what you’re looking at

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* si és : eS, a> * 206 EICKWICK ABROAD. francs at the Palais-Royal at one tme—was once suspected of forgery, — but hushed up the matter—is now supposed to be entirely ruined.” “‘A pretty character!” cried I, as I returned my tablets—those tablets on which was written the description of many an mdividual— _ to my pocket. Ithen whispered a few but impressive words of neces-_ sary caution in.the ears of the gaming-house-keeper, and withdrew to — proceed one step farther in the execution of my duty andthe orders of © the secretary de Limeul. i I issued from the Palais-Royal into the Rue de Richelieu, thence to — the Rue Neuve des Petits Champs, and hastened to the abode of the © afflicted Madame D’Arly. After some delay, 1 was ushered mto her ~ presence ; but when my eyes first fell upon her countenance, J was stupi- © fied, as it were, at the sight of her extraordmary beauty. She had © risen to recelve me, and her graceful attitude developed her lovely — figure to advantage. She was tall and admirably formed; her ight © flaxen hair fell upon a neck and shoulders of dazzling whiteness, and partly concealed a bosom that heaved against the pressure of a corset adapted to display her voluptuous form. She rather resembled the — fe and full-grown women of England, than the more delicate daughters of France. My confusion was only momentary—it was, however, noticed and acknowledged-by the blush that mounted on her — cheek-—and then I was requested to explain the motives of my visit, _ ‘‘T believe I have the honour of addressing Madame D’Arly 2?” The reply was of course in the affirmative. ‘The amiable spouse of M. D’Arly 2” ) “‘The same—’’ said the lady, hastily, and somewhat alarmed; — “but, pray, what mean these queries ?” “TY am afraid, Madam,” said I, ‘‘ that M. D’Arly has lately been un- fortunate In—in—” | “In what 2” cried the beautiful Emilie, somewhat impatiently. ‘Tn his speculations,” said I, desirous of sparing the use of harsh ~ words, 4 ‘At the gaming-table! you would add,” observed Madame D’Arly with a bitter smile, and a look that expressed the acutest mental agony. ‘‘ And he is likely to continue a loser, Madam,” I exclaimed, with considerable emphasis. “Sir,” said the lady, rising, ‘ your observations are mostsingular — —your conversation alarms me. LEither impertinent curiosity, ora friendly motive, has sent you hither. Before we discourse more inti- mately on these matters—for such appears your aim—allow me to be ~ acquainted with your name.” ts : “My name is Dumont, at your service,” was my reply; “‘andlam ~ a well-wisher to D’Arly, without having the honour of his acquaint- anee. But to be brief,—let him not visit the Palais-Royal this even- ing; but desire him to call upon me, to-morrow morning, at my lodgings in the Faubourg Saint Antoine; and he may not repent his visit. This is the card of my address.” I rose to depart,—but my feet remained rooted to thespot. Emilie’s — cheeks were white as marble. | “Fear nothing, dear Madam,” I cried: “the evil may stillbe — remedied. Your husband stands on the verge of a dangerous precipice _ —his evil genius is hastening him towards the abyss—and his resolue comicbooks.com