Alfred de Rosann — page 71: what you’re looking at

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

62 ALFRED DE ROSANN. “Flattery—pure flattery, my dear Mr. Robson!’’ cried De Rosann. ‘But let. me answer your ques- tion about my return to France. Much as 1 am un- willing to resign, after so short and agreeable an ac- quaintance, the pleasure of passing my evenings with your amiable family, cireumstances—urgent circum- stances, connected with these papers—will oblige me to depart almost immediately.” . ‘¢ And what is the meaning of zmmediately?2’’ in- quired the banker with a smile. ‘ T’o-day—to-mor- row—or in a week?”’ ‘The day after to-morrow: you know I promised to stay for Colonel Wentworth’s—or rather Mrs. Wentworth’s ball; and as you procured me the honour of their acquaintance and of the invitation, 1 wouid neither pay so bad a compliment to yourself, nor to your friends, as to disappear on the evening of the grand fete.”’ ‘ Bravo!’’ exclaimed the banker. ‘“ And now, without any ceremony, my dear boy, you must make your exit from my office. Look at this pile of letters —not one opened yet—the clock has already struck twelve—and I must answer them all before sunset. So do leave me alone for the present, and pay your respects to the ladies in the drawing-room; it is not too early for a friend like yourself.’’ | “T will avail myself of your permission,”’ said De Rosann, “ and communicate in person the certainty of my departure the day after to-morrow.” Selina was alone in the drawing-room when De Rosann entered. As he ascended the stairs, the sounds of her harp fell upon his ears: and they ceased the moment he touched the handle of the door. ‘If have intruded upon you at so unseemly an hour, Miss Robson, your father alone must bear the blame; for he it was whosent me hither—and with a particu- lar purpose—’’ ‘‘ My father was aware that you would be well received, M. De Rosann,’’ returned the young lady: “and may I know the particular purpose which has COnniclhooks.conn