Alfred de Rosann — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

ALFRED DE ROSANN. 5 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 her- self that she must honour his name and his family—al- though 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 therefore devise some plan by which we can surmount the obstacles which diametrically oppose your wishes.’’ “ You forget, my dear Sir, that Iam 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 receive 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 obtain the royal signature to an act of mercy or justice.”’ ‘“ Your observations are those of a wise man, Al- _ fred,’”’ said Mr. Clayton; “ and if you would follow my advice—”’ | ‘¢'The counsel of so distinguished a friend is a com- mand to me,” interrupted De Rosann, looking up to his companion with a species of filial attachment and respect. . “ Nay, my dear boy,” returned. Mr. Clayton, flat- tered by this remark ; “Ido not mean to usurp a power which I have no right to assume. . But if you relish my advice, follow it; and on the present occa- sion, 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 service he is Pt. 1% COPNICLOOO KS (E@)