Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 237: what you’re looking at

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

204 Alfred de Rosann. sition paper totally exposed the rash measures practised by the ex- isting ministry, and hinted broadly at the probable result. It was evident, according to the exposure thus made of many of the im- politic schemes of Polignac and his associates in office, that the throne of the royal Bourbons was tottering, that the cry of an en- slaved nation would shortly alarm the imprudent Charles in his palace at St. Cloud, and that the public feeling was labouring under a strong excitement. De Rosann sighed when he reflected how another popular tumult might again prepare consular seats for new Robespierres, Dantons, and a host of petty tyrants—lie feared lest, the head of the hydra being cut off, a multiplicity of others might spring up in its place—- but he acknowledged within himself that France could not submit her proud head to an un- worthy yoke, and that her sons must be free! Our hero’s reflections were interrupted by the entrance of the hostler, who informed him that the post-chaise was in readiness, and was waiting for him. De Rosann forgot the Constitutonnel, Polignac, Peyronnet, and the probable crisis that was at hand, and instantly obeyed the welcome summons—for his anxiety to embrace his beloved Eloise may naturally be imagined. And if our reader have ever been placed in a similar situation, let him call to mind bis own feelings, and judge by them of tle mingled hope and fear— expectation and alarm—which Alfred felt when the wheels of the carriage rolled upon the pavement of St. Malo. He desired the postillion to conduct him to the hotel he and Beile-Rose had pa- tronised the Jast time he visited that sea-port, and soon descended in the court-yard of the inn amidst the salutations of landlord, waiter, and chamber-maid. ‘‘ Apparently Monsieur has not irretrievably forgotten us,” said the host, as he assisted De Rosann to alight. “ I recollected the ex- traordinarily handsome features of Monsieur instantaneously the car- riage stopped at our gate; and I unfeignedly hope Monsieur has satisfactorily performed his arduously undertaken and suddenly resolved-upon journey to England.” “Thank you—thank you!” cried our hero by way of answer to the jargon of the landlord. ** Hasten and cut the cords of those ume) must see them conveyed to my bed-chamber before eave.” | ‘¢ Leave!” exclaimed the maitre @hotel. ‘ Indubitably Monsieur must immediately partake of some speedily prepared refreshment.” ‘‘ No—in an hour or two—for God’s sake, use despatch with that baggage—TI have a call to make first,” replied De Rosann, vainly endeavouring to escape from fresh importunities. ‘A call to make!” persisted the landlord in a strain that would have wearied the patience of even a Job ora martyr: “ that is indisputably a duty on infinitely numerous occasions ; but decidedly when a gentleman has necessitatedly passed many wearily tiresome hours in a post-chaise, he should evidently first seriously occupy himself about his dinner.” “‘ Parbleu! arrange it as you like,” cried De Rosann, anxious to avoid a farther discussion with the provoking landlord. ‘‘ I must COnicbooolks (GO)