Alfred de Rosann — page 68: what you’re looking at

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

ALFRED DE ROSANN. 59 called a truth, your lordship—or may I be dam hiar.”? When this plain and concise tale was brought to a conclusion, the Lord Mayor questioned Belle-Rose ; but finding that they could not understand each other, an interpreter was sent for, and through his agency, the following dialogue took place. ‘* What is your name ?”’ ‘ Pierre Count d’Elsigny,’’ was the reply. “Are you a refugee, on account of political mat- ters, or are you a resident in England for your own pleasure ?”’ ‘ T travel for my own pleasure.’’ ¢¢ Will you state the origin of the quarrel?’’ said the Lord Mayor ina conciliatory tone of voice, and with a politeness which he thought due to the other’s rank. The request was immediately interpreted, and acceded to. ‘‘T entered a pastry-cook shop to take a bowl of soup, and, by mere chance, seated myself opposite to that individual,’’ answered Belle-Rose, pointing to Mr. Higgins, who lolled out his tongue and looked towards the crowd of spectators in the court, as if he were desirous of soliciting their peculiar attention to a language which he, in his ignorance, laughed at. “My soup was so hot that I burnt my mouth, and accidentally stamped upon my neighbour’s foot in an instant of pain. I do not deny that his ridiculous physiognomy brought a smile to my lips: but ere I could apologize for my awkwardness, he struck me a violent blow, which knocked me down: and the inter- ference of the police-officer alone prevented me from returning it.”’ “You are entirely in the wrong, Mr. Higgins,’’ said the Lord Mayor in a harsh tone, when he had examined the witnesses; “and if you do not satisfy this French nobleman by the most humble apology, I shall not only fine you for breaking the peace, but shall strongly recommend him to prosecute you for the assault.”’ CORMICGLOOkKS (E@)