Alfred de Rosann — page 166: what you’re looking at

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

ALFRED DE ROSANN. 157 CHAPTER XV. >. LEBLOND. De Rosann knocked at the door of the house which Mr. Clayton, his sister-in-law, and niece, had left two days before. The porter answered his summons, and informed him of the family’s sudden departure.. Our hero remained for some moments rivetted to the spot in stupid astonishment, unable to utter a word; and he was only recalled to himself by the sight of a note which the porter placed in his hands. He tore it open as if life and death were dependant on the contents, and with a beating heart read the following words:— * Dearest Alfred, “The tongue of calumny has prejudiced my uncle against you, and made my mother still more re- solute than ever to terminate any engagement existing between us. I alone am convinced of your constant fidelity, for I judge you by myself. A man, named Belle-Rose, has poured the syllables of poison into the ears of Mr. Clayton. He accuses you of paying your addresses to a banker’s daughter in London, and .de clares that you have met with a repulse. Pardon me, dear Alfred, if I repeat the scandalous tale which I firmly believe to be false. You must write to Mr. Clayton, and refute such vile aspersions on your cha- racter: for he is so indignant at your supposed miscon- duct, that he would not listen to you were you to de- mand an interview, to avoid which he has resolved to leave St. Malo and return to Paris. Address your letter to our old apartments, which we are to occupy VOL. I1.—14 COPMICLOO© <S (E@)