Alfred de Rosann — page 60: what you’re looking at

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

ALFRED DE ROSANN. 51 “if I had not been aware that he must have already informed you of the particulars of these papers’ con- tents, | should not have answered your questions just now.”’ ‘Tam perfectly convinced of the fact, M. d’Elsig- ny,’ returned the banker, assuming a coolness and an indifference in the affair, that threw even the wily Belle-Rose off his guard. “Then my business with you is concluded,”’ said Belle-Rose, after a momentary pause: and he moved towards the door, expecting the banker to retain him; but that gentleman wished him a civil ‘ Good morn- ing,’ and turning to his desk, as if to resume his la- bours. Belle-Rose was now entirely satisfied that the papers were not so absolutely necessary to the real heir as he had imagined ; the wonderful presence of mind exhibited by Mr. Robson totally deceived the expe- rienced adventurer, and he retraced his steps to the chair he had just left, determined “ to make the best of a bad job,’ as the common expression has it. - ©Mr. Robson,”’ said he, “1 am unwilling to do your young friend—I mean Alfred De Rosann—” “You are right,’’ interrupted the banker ; ‘ he zs my friend.’’ ‘‘T do not wish to do him any harm, nor prejudice his views by: retaining possession of these papers, since at all events they will facilitate the progress of the affair, and afford proofs so satisfactory that no doubt as to the claims of the real heir can exist ; but De Rosann is indebted to me a sum of money; and however disadvantageously to myself he may have represented the manner in which I became possessed of the documents, he could not deny in my presence the fact that they were handed to me as security.” “ Indeed!’’ said the banker, not choosing to con- tradict one word of all that the other might tell,him. “?Tis perfectly true, on my honour!’ continued Belle-Rose, with the most unblushing effrontery. ‘¢ Between ourselves, De Rosann has been rather wild; and as I entertained a considerable affection for the Gomichbook (E@)