Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 259: what you’re looking at

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

226 Alfred de Rosann. against an overpowering military force. De Rosann hurried to the assistance of the gallant squadron ; and, to his surprise, discovered that it was headed by Belle-Rose, who fought like a lion, des rately and bravely. His left arm hung useless by his side—hi left cheek displayed a ghastly wound—and his clothes were covered with dripping gore. Still did his right hand wield the glitterin sword, and deal slaughter around. Our hero himself was astonish at the extraordinary magnanimity of one whom he fancied too mucli devoted to existence. to risk itin a cause that would not even- tually much benefit an adventurer accustomed to live upon his wits. But Belle-Rose was a Frenchman in the true spirit of the word —and when once excited, he forgot everything save glory and renown. De Rosann’s aid arrived too late. Combatting against fearful odds, and pierced by a multitude of weapons—covered with honour- able wounds, Belle-Rose became gradually weak and faint—his sight was suddenly dimmed—his brain was confused—he struck feeble and harmless blows at random—and at length fell in a state of insensibility into the arms of his former companion. A feeling of commiseration took possession of our hero’s breast. He knew not whither to bear the dying man—he could not leave him to ex- pire in the street, and perhaps to be trampled upon ere the vital spark should have left his body. Irresolute how to act, he drew the almost inanimate Be!le-Rose away from the heat of the battle, and deposited him beneath the colonnade which runs on each side of the Rue des Pyramides. There he halted and turned round as if to seek a place of security whither he could carry his burthen. The wicket of a large gate or porte-cochere was open; and he had accidentally stopped before it. He gazed wistfully into the yard behind—and immediately recognised the house where the Claytons resided. He did not hesitate another moment, but dragged the still senseless form he protected to the porter’s lodge, and hastily recommended the dying man to the care of an old woman whom he found there. She was busily engaged in. rehearsing ber prayers, when Alfred thus unceremoniously interrupted her devotions. The pious portress—for she it was herself—instantly rose from her nees, and obeyed De Rosann’s commands: she recollected his handsome countenance, and was moreover humane in her disposi- tion. Alfred enquired if Miss Clayton were in good health; and having received satisfactory replies to that and other questions which he put to the old woman relative to his adored Eloise, he re- commended Belle-Rose to the especial care of the kind portress ; and once more returned to take the lead of his gallant followers. In the meantime, the portress examined the wounds of the indi- vidual confided to her charge, and succeeded in bringing him back to partial recollection. A faint animation excited his pulse, and gave tokens of a feeble existence not yet past away, but soon to evaporate. She placed him upon a bed, and opened her drawers to seek for rags, to staunch the blood that flowed from many places at the same time. But either she had not the linen she looked for, or else the confusion and agitation of her ideas so bewildered her COnicbooolks (GO)