Belle Rose: A Romance of the Cloak and Sword — page 32: what you’re looking at

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

22 THE FIRST TEARS. collect to have loved at eighteen. You will forgetas I have forgotten, and you will not feel any ill-effects from it.”’ Jacques shook his head sadly. ‘*Ves! yes! everybody talks that way,’’ continued the farmer of revenue. ‘‘Eh? My God! at your age I already believed myself in the river because I had lost the object of my first flame. But, bah! I have lost many others since. Let us talk sense, my boy; you will understand me, for you do not lack for intelligence. Several gentlemen of the neighborhood have asked me for Suzanne’s hand. Can I conscientiously prefer you who have nothing, neither pro- fession, nor fortune, and repulse those who have both?”’ Jacques lowered his head, and a tear fell to the ground. ‘‘Parbleau, if you were rich and noble,’’ resumed Mon- sieur de Malzonvilliers, ‘‘I should wish for no other son- in-law than yourself.’’ ‘‘Tf I were rich and noble?’’ exclaimed Jacques. ‘“Yes, certainly.’’ ‘*Well, monsieur, I shall endeavor to win fortune and nobility.”’ ‘‘Listen, then, my friend, these things do not come quickly. I do not promise you to wait.’’ Jacques hesitated a moment; then raising his eyes to heaven, he said: ‘‘God sparing me, monsieur, I shall make as much haste as I can.’’ ‘*Poor fellow!’’ murmured Monsieur de Malzonvilliers, as Jacques moved away; ‘‘itis truly unfortunate that he is not a marquis, or at least a millionaire,”’ Jacques directed his course with a slow but firm step toward a part of the park of Malzonvilliers where Suzanne was accustomed to walk at this hour, a book or some needlework in her hand. He accosted her resolutely and related to her the conversation which he had just had with her father; his voice trembled, but his glance was steady. Suzanne had felt herself blush at Jacques’ first word, but soon overcoming her emotions, she had fixed upon her lover that clear and serene look which beamed like a star in the depths of her blue eyes. ‘*Your father has left me no hope, mademoiselle,’’ said Jacques, after he had finished his narrative; ‘‘neverthe- less Iam determined to undertake everything to merit you. Do you permit me?”’ ‘*Do you love me, Jacques?’’ said the young girl, in that sweet and vibrating voice which sounded like crystal. ‘‘Do Llove you? I would give my life for my sister Eomichbooks (E(0) m