Penny Blood Serial Cover — page 161: what you’re looking at

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

ALFRED DE ROSANN.. 153 boutlli, and the remnants of a large turkey; “all I wished you to know was that I am incapable of cook- Ing meats to serve up a hot supper: but such as the provisions are, eat and be welcome.”’ “Meseems that you make good cheer, my friend,” cried Belle-Rose, casting a glance at the turkey, and then turning to the farmer: “to judge by your sup- pers, your dinners must be exquisite.”’ : “Ah! I understand your allusion,’ answered the man: “it is true we have faredxsumptuously to-day —which is not our custom; for our means are lim- ited, and our wants easily satisfied. The fact is, that about four hours ago a carriage broke down in the main road close by, and three travellers, with a ser- vant, were obliged to put up at my house; for one of the ladies—”’ | “There were ladies amongst them, eh?’’ inter- rupted Belle-Rose, in that careless manner which he frequently assumed. | ‘Two ladies and a gentleman,” replied the farmer; ‘and the elder of the ladies hurt her ancle in such a manner that it was impossible for her to proceed on foot, as the gentleman at first proposed. But it appears that they were in no particular hurry to arrive at St. Malo—and when I offered the use of my rooms, with good food, and good beds, the whole party re- solved upon staying here till the morning. That is the secret of the roast turkey and the boiled ham,” added the peasant with a smile. ‘“ Are we not intruding, then, upon your hospi- tality??? asked De Rosann. “Your house must be full—and we are perhaps two too mdny.”’ ‘«¢ Not at all,” answered the farmer, with a sincerity that the most suspicious could not doubt; “ the dwell- ing is spatious enough; and if you do not care about sleeping in a room that has never been occupied for upwards of thirty-three years, it is at your service. There are exactly two bedsteads in the apartment; and when you have done your supper, I will myself CoOnnicloookxs (C@