Alfred de Rosann — page 49: what you’re looking at

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

40 ALFRED DE ROSANN. not know enough of your Bourse in Paris; but our ’Change is dreadfully scandalous. My friend on the right informs me he has already heard a report, that I am about to form a mercantile connexion with M. Lebrun;—a French gentleman whom I invited for the express purpose of meeting you—”’ ‘‘] offer you a thousand thanks for such kind consi- deration,”? cried De Rosann: ‘* but does no member of your family speak my native language?’’ ‘How silly I am?t’’ exclaimed the banker, striking his hand upon his thigh, as if vexed with himself for not having thought of something before. “ My younger daughter, Selina, is perfectly acquainted with French: do try her, and see if she has forgotten any of it.” | ” But before De Rosann had time to avail himself of Mr. Robson’s hint, the drawing-room door was thrown open, and a domestic announced the arrival of M. Lebrun. As if a basilisk had stung his hand, De Rosann gave . a sudden start, and overturned the chair from which _ he had risen to be presented to M. Lebrun. No sooner had he set his eyes on the individual who bore that name, than he recognised a person he wished to meet before almost any other in the world. The recognition was mutual—so was the sudden start —for both were electrified, as it were, by the same machine. ‘lhey then bowed coolly to each other, and seated themselves. _ “ Have you been long in London ?”’ inquired Le- brun timidly. “Two days,” answered our hero abruptly. “You came direct from Paris? or have you been in any other country °” asked Lebrun, recovering a little assurance. | | De Rosann gave noreply: his object was gained by the few words that had passed with his fellow-country- man. Lebrun was evidently ignorant of what hadhap- pened to him; that was all our hero required to know, Gomichbooks,com