"
"I suppose I may read it?"
She nods, and Lomaque reads these lines:
"CITIZEN--I beg respectfully to apprise you that the commission
you intrusted to me at Paris has been performed.
"I have also to beg that you will accept my resignation of the
place I hold in your counting-house. The kindness shown me by you
and your brother before you, emboldens me to hope that you will
learn with pleasure the motive of my withdrawal. Two friends of
mine, who consider that they are under some obligations to me,
are anxious that I should pass the rest of my days in the quiet
and protection of their home. Troubles of former years have knit
us together as closely as if we were all three members of one
family. I need the repose of a happy fireside as much as any man,
after the life I have led; and my friends assure me so earnestly
that their whole hearts are set on establishing the old man's
easy-chair by their hearth, that I cannot summon resolution
enough to turn my back on them and their offer.
"Accept, then, I beg of you, the resignation which this letter
contains, and with it the assurance of my sincere gratitude and
respect.
"To Citizen Clairfait, Silk-mercer,
"Chalons-sur-Marne."
After reading these lines, Lomaque turned round to Trudaine and
attempted to speak; but the words would not come at command.
Pages:
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270