Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 107: what you’re looking at

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

86 Alfred de Rosann. welcomed both him and his companion with the utmost cordiality : De Rosann soon found himself perfectly at his ease, and joined in the conversation of his hospitable entertainers without the slightest restraint; while the little boys continued their sport in the corner, apparently not much troubling themselves about the new arrivals. ‘It is some time since we have had the pleasure of seeing you, friend Belle-Rose,” said the host, as he served the steaming -potage which had a much better odour than that of the upright Claude. “ Yes, Theodore,” returned the worthy Pierre; “and I have this day done what you and I did a few years ago together.” ‘¢ How? what!’ exclaimed Theodore: “‘and your comrade as well ?” “ Precisely. After supper, when the brats have gone to bed, I wilk recount you the whole adventure.” “ Bravo!” cried the peasant, clapping his hands with joy: then turning to his better half, he said, in a tone of voice approximating a whisper, ‘* Marie, my love, you must regale us with a flask of your deceased uncle’s cognac, to welcome Monsieur Belle-Rose and his friend, and to celebrate their escape. You understand me?” The female gave a significant nod, and left the room for a few minutes, at the expiration of which she returned, bearing in her hand a quart bottle, or litre, of the genuine spirit. Conviviality now reigned trium- phant; a variety of toasts were proposed and drank with enthusiasm, and Belle-Rose uttered a thousand facetious things, as the brandy gradually worked its effect upon him. Even De Rosann suffered his usual scruples to be overcome on this occasion; and he joined in the mirth of his companions with undisguised pleasure, the novelty of his situation, the force of example, and the adventures of the day, baffling all punctiliousness. | In the midst of the conviviality, when the glass was often filled and speedily emptied—when jests flowed unrestrained—and when every heart was gay, a loud knock at the door excited the attention of the revellers. Theodore rose to see who could be there at so late an hour; and a word from Belle-Rose reassured the drooping courage of De Rosann; for he instantly pictured to himself gendarmes, chains, and dungeons. But his companion convinced him that no gendarmes would visit the cottage at that time of night, and begged him not to give way to his alarms. Theodore had taken the precaution of closing the door after him; and as there was a large screen drawn between it and the table, on one side of the fire-place, the visiter, whoever he might be, could not possibly catch a glimpse of the inmates of the room. In about a minute the peasant returned, laughing so heartily, that tears ran down his cheeks. “ For God’s sake, let us share the joke!” cried Bell-Rose. ‘“‘ He must be a rare witty fellow, that,’’ stammered Theodore, unable: to restrain his mirth. ‘‘O what a proposition! Can you fancy, my friends—a man who implores my hospitality—and such hospitality as he solicits—Oh! Oh!” “ A supper and a bed, to be sure,” exclaimed Belle-Rose. ‘“* ¥Yes—a piece of dry bread for supper—there is no harm in that: but the bed—all he wants is the pig-stye I” A roar of laughter followed this explanation, and Belle-Rose declared. ECONlNCOOOlKS.CO