The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 44: what you’re looking at

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

THE STUDY 25 sary, he presented his bill, according to the intimation given him by Monsieur Volney. Monsieur Volney was in his study, and thither Clarine sped with the bill in her hand. She entered, and presented it to her father. He took it, flung a single glance at the amount specified, and rising from his ‘seat, opened an iron safe. Taking thence a large tin box, he unlocked it, and Clarine perceived that one compartment was full of gold and another of bank-notes. Monsieur Volney took out a roll of those notes to select a couple for a thousand francs (or forty pounds) each, and Clarine, who was watching him with mingled curiosity and surprise, was enabled to observe even at a glance and at the roughest calculation that the tin box contained an enormous sum of money. As Monsieur Volney looked up to give her the notes which he had selected, he perceived the wonder and surprise expressed in her features, and for a moment a cloud passed over his countenance. But the next instant it was gone, and he said, in a voice of unusual kindness, and even with a faint smile upon his lips, ‘‘ You did not perhaps know that I possessed such ample resources. It may be that I have shown you too little confidence — However,” he added, suddenly checking himself, ‘‘ it is as well this opportunity should have occurred for meto say that all that I have is yours, and if anything should suddenly happen to me, you will know where to find that which will maintain you in comfort, ay, in affluence for the whole of your life.” “Good heavens, my dear father,’’ exclaimed Clarine, the tears gushing from her eyes, ‘‘ do not speak on such subjects, — it seems as if I were about to lose you.”’ ‘* Remember, Clarine,’’ answered Monsieur Volney, with an increasing mildness of tone, ‘‘ I am advanced in years, and according to the course of nature, even setting apart those casualities from accident or sickness to which we are all liable— But do not weep, do not weep. I thought I had just now done something to afford you pleasure. Poor girl, you have not known much of happiness lately, and I would not now throw a damp upon that satisfaction which I hoped to afford you.” “ I am glad, dear father,” replied Clarine, smiling through her tears, and then quickly brushing them away, “‘ that you now give me an opportunity of expressing my gratitude for your goodness in respect to the piano.”’ EOMINGIOOKS (CO)