Alfred de Rosann — page 99: what you’re looking at

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

90 ALFRED DE ROSANN. «TI am doubtful,’? returned De Rosann carelessly. “But how is your family after the fatigues of the ball?”? ‘The devil take the ball!’? cried Mr. Robson. “You seem to think as much of a very—very serious matter, as I do of the greatest trifle.’’ | “Do you allude to the probability of a duel?” asked De Rosann, sipping his chocolate with the most ineffable sang-frotd. “ Certainly, my young friend; in England, it is not customary to regard life as an object without value. Existence bears a high per-centage amongst us.”’ “If you wish me to reflect for one moment upon the matter,’ said Alfred, assuming a grave look to oblige the good-natured banker, who was exceedingly anxious on his friend’s account, “ I must obey you; and the result of my rumination will be, that if Mr. Markham can possibly muster the money to pay me, he will also find the courage to fight. He has a repu- tation at stake; and a duel would restore him to public favour.”’ “In that case, my dear Rosann, I must find you a second,”’ cried Mr. Robson: “but I hope to God that Markham, or whatever his name may be, will look in vain for the cash. You know I would myself wil- lingly act as your friend on such an occasion—but a banker, and the father of a family—not a young man either—”’ “Do not think of offering an apology,” interrupted our hero. Should I require a second, you will pro- cure me one—and that is sufficient.’’ ‘“¢ Adieu, then, for the present: I must return to my counting-house, which I never quit on a morning, save on urgent occasions.’ Mr. Robson had not left the room five minutes, when one of the waifers entered, and informed De Rosann that the Count d’Elsigny desired to speak to him on very particular business. Our hero ordered the servant to show the Count to his apartment; and in a moment Belle-Rose swaggered into the room. 1GO LOOOKS COR = a