Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 175: what you’re looking at

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

148 Alfred de Rosann. imagined; the wonderful presence of mind exhibited by Mr. Robson totally deceived the experienced adventurer, and he re- traced 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, ‘*I am unwilling to do your young friend—I mean Alfred de Rosann—"’ “You are right,” interrupted the banker ; ‘‘ he is my friend.” ‘¢ T do not wish to do him any harm, nor prejudice his views b 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 disad- vantageously 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 contradict 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 young man, I mortgaged a part of my property— my own ancestral estate in Picardy, to relieve him from his em- barrassments.” ‘s Most noble conduct!” cried Mr. Robson, with a serious coun- tenance, as if he believed every syllable of this rhodomontade. ‘¢ And it is my intention to give him my younger sister in mar- riage, if he act honourably towards me,” continued Belle-Rose. ‘¢ But at present I am rather. pressed for ready cash; and as I do not choose to encumber my estate in Picardy any farther—” ‘¢ Very natural!’ exclaimed the banker, not a muscle of his face moving, nor the slightest smile curling his lip. ‘¢ You understand me, I perceive,” proceeded Belle-Rose: * I am not one of those gay young noblemen who squander away their property, as if estates and bank-notes were as plentiful as brick- ats in a kiln. Besides, my giddy days are over,—you and I, Mr. Robson, must not think of committing the follies that lead children into difficulties—we have wives—” ‘‘ Ah! M. d’Elsigny is married!” cried the banker, feigning astonishment at an assertion which he suspected to be as false as the preceding, and those that were to succeed. ‘OQ yes—and blessed with a smiling family of eleven chil- dren,” answered Belle-Rose, with a bland smile. ‘‘ The Countess was a rich heiress, of a noble and ancient family, descended in a direct line from the celebrated Roldan, who was killed by Ber- nardo, the Spanish warrior, at the battle of Roncésvalles—”’ ‘IT did not know Roldan left any offspring.” ‘¢ I fancy, between ourselves, that they were all bastards,” said Belle-Rose: ‘‘ but be that as it may, my wife traces her lineage back to the good old paladin ; and we have still his helmet in my ancestral castle.” ‘‘ And at this minute you are somewhat in want of money, ECONlNCOOOlKS.CO