Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 205: what you’re looking at

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

176 Alfred de Rosann. vehicle in the immediate vicinity of the appointed spot. Mr. Her- bert and the self-styled Count d’Elsigay, proceeded to charge the pistols forthwith; while De Rosann watched the motions of his antagonist, whose face was ashy pale, and whose uneven steps, as he paced up and down the ground, betokened anything save self- possession and composure. He was evidently annoyed that the two seconds did not endeavour to arrange the matter amicably ; but he dared not interfere in their proceedings, nor retract from the challenge he had somewhat rashly given. When Belle-Rose and Herbert had charged the pistols in each others presence, they drew lots to decide by whom the ground should be measured, and the signal given. Chance pronounced in favour of Belle-Rose ; and he instantly commenced his duties: but he took such uncommonly small paces, when employed in tracing the distance which was to intervene between the spots occupied by the hostile parties, that Markham could with difficulty conceal his terror. De Rosann merely smiled at the friendly conduct of his ancient companion, and received the pistol from the hand of Mr. Herbert, as if it were a handsome present, tendered on a more jovial occasion. Not that there was anything cruel, or blood-thirsty in the calmness of our hero ; his composure was purely the courageous indifference of a brave man, who does not fear to meet death face to face. , De Rosann and Markham now took their proper stations, and Belle-Rose stood at a little distance, making the third point of an imaginary right-angled triangle, of which the antagonists were the remaining two. And now all was ready—the foemen confronted. each other—Belle-Rose enquired in a loud voice if they were pre- pared—both answered in the affirmative, one boldly, the other tremulously—and the handkerchief fell to the ground. The shots were fired almost at the same instant—and neither De Rosann nor Markham were touched. After a lengthened discussion between the seconds, the pistols were charged again, and presented to the combatants. Markham declared in a whisper to Belle-Rose, that he was satisfied, and that he did not wish to renew the combat. But the soi-disant Count cut him short with an assurance, “ that he had too much regard for the honour of his principal to withdraw him, before he had either killed his man, or was winged himeself.’’ Markham ventured another remonstrance, and Belle-Rose declared ‘that he should either fight, or renounce his friendship for ever. This assertion terminated the doubts and repugnance of the unfor- tunate Markham ; and Herbert stepped forward with the handker- chief in his hand, to occapy in his turn, the spot which Belle-Rose had just left. The signal was given a second time, the pistols were in levelled against two human pers by each other, the report of the murderous weapons echoed ‘teudly on the ear, and Markham fell wounded to the getund. > The surgeon, who had waited at a little distance, and who had attentively watched the progress of the duel, now rushed forward like a vulture on his prey, and proceeded to examine the fallen champion. The ball had grazed his right side, just above the hip ; ECONlNCOOOlKS.CO