Alfred de Rosann — page 156: what you’re looking at

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

ALFRED DE ROSANN. 147 transition. At Calais he caused his passport to be duly signed, according to the usual formalities, and secured a place in the diligence for Abbeville, having already made up his mind how to act in order to obtain a little supply of ready money to commence his career once more-at Paris. From Abbeville he proceeded to Di- eppe, thence to Havre-de-Grace, and lastly to St. Malo. Arrived at this latter town, he did not seek the pur- chased hospitality of an hotel, but informed himself where dwelt “ M. Citron, Friandeur,”? and hastened to pay his respects to our worthy friend Champignon. It is impossible for a less able painter than a Ho- garth or a Cruikshank to delineate the curious face which the quiet gastronomer put on when Belle-Rose entered his shop. He recollected his visiter’s uncom- mon appetite, and cast a sad look at the dainties so invitingly spread out against the windows each side of the door. But his naturally generous disposition triumphed over that momentary feeling of selfishness, and he welcomed Belle-Rose with a cordiality even astonishing to the impudent and shameless adventurer himself. The fatted calf was immediately killed— the cloth was spread in the neat back parlour—the cotelettes a la quadrille were produced to tempt the appetite of the newly-arrived guest—and poor Cham- pignon was amply rewarded in his own idea by the extravagant praises bestowed upon his cookery. ‘Here isto your health, my dear Citron,’ said Belle-Rose, “since such be your name; although, to’ confess the truth, I admire your original one much more.”’ | ‘A change was absolutely necessary, M. Belle- Rose,’’ returned the gastronomer, as he filled his own and his companion’s glass with marasquino. “ And pray, does your establishment prosper?” “To my heart’s content. There is not another shop like it in St. Malo, I flatter myself,’ answered Champignon. , «Ah! I am glad to hear such excellent news,’ cried Belle-Rose. “You know, my dear Cham— CORNICLOOLKK< (E@)