Alfred; or, The Adventures of a French Gentleman — page 159: what you’re looking at

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

132 ALFRED; OR ADVENTURES permit me,” continued De Rosann, with a species of confidence which the open manners of the Englishman encouraged, or rather created, “‘ to ask you a few questions concerning an afiair of the utmost importance ?” ‘¢ Certainly, Monsieur,—I have not the pleasure of being ac- quainted with your name,” cried the banker. ‘¢ De Rosann,” replied our hero. ‘ De Rosann— De Rosann,” muttered Mr. Robson: ‘ that name is familiar tome. Ah! J recollect! Is it impertinent to inquire if you be any relation to the De Rosann of the Rue Cau- martin, in the Chaussée d’Antin at Paris. I corresponded with the old man for some years; but shortly after his son succeeded to him in the business, my foreign transactions became so extensive that I was obliged to transfer the agency to a regular banker in the French metropolis.” ‘¢T am that same De Rosann who succeeded to your ancient correspondent,” said our hero, convinced by the other's manner that he was a stranger to the failure of the firm of De Rosann and La Motte, as well as to the collateral circumstances attending it. ‘© Ah! then we are old acquaintances, in a certain way,” cried Mr. Robson, with 2 complacent smile. ‘I am glad to see the son of an individual whose regularity in business was unparalleled,” continued the talkative banker; ‘* and should you have no better engagement for to-morrow, I shall be delighted if you will honour me with your company to dinner at six o’clock precisely.” De Rosann accepted the invitation, and the banker proceeded to say, ‘¢ that as they had now indulged themselves in five minutes’ conversation on indifferent affairs, he was ready to devote the same period to business.” eee “¢Tt must be upwards of thirty-three or thirty-four years ago,” began De Rosann, resolved to enter briefly upon the subject, «that the Marquis de Denneville was in correspondence with your house.” De Rosann had no sooner uttered these words than Mr. Robson gave a sudden start, drew his chair closer to our hero, and pre- pared to listen with the greatest attention. ~ “ And this same Marquis de Denneville,” continued Alfred, “transferred, through his agent in Paris, a considerable sum of money to your charge.” “¢ Perfectly correct,” cried Mr. Robson; ‘I recollect that I had just been received into partnership by my father when the remittance was made to our hands.” ‘¢ And the amount was eight hundred thousand francs—or—" ‘¢ Nearly thirty-two thousand pounds sterling,” added the banker, without a moment’s hesitation. ‘¢ Which have never been claimed,” said De Rosann. ‘“¢ That is to say, never directly claimed,” cried Mr. Robson. ‘¢ Nor ever inquired after,” rejoined our hero. ‘¢ Pardon me, Monsieur. By a singular coincidence, an indi- vidual has this morning been to the bank, and left word with one of my clerks, that he should call upon me in the course of the day ECORNIELOOOKS aE)