Alfred; or, The Adventures of a French Gentleman — page 148: what you’re looking at

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

OF A FRENCH GENTLEMAN. 121 Yes, slightly.” replied Alfred. ‘But that will not make me alter my plans, nor separate from you till we arrive in Paris.” ‘“ Tant mieux,” said Belle-Rose: ‘I am not yet wearied of your company, although I have sense enough to know, De Rosann, that my society cannot always suit you; and that if you ever rise in the world, our friendship is at an end.” ‘‘You wrong me, Belle-Rose, I declare upon my _ honour,” returned De Rosann. ‘It is true that your pursuits and mine are somewhat at variance with each other; but I shall not easily forget the obligations I am under to you. Had it not been for your aid. and advice, I should perhaps have starved, or been recaptured im- mediately after my flight from Brest: indeed, I do know that I should have had the courage to attempt an escape.” ‘Say as little about that as possible, De Rosann; and let us commence an attack on some of the messes which Champignon has dished up. But perhaps you breakfast with your friends ? ”’ ‘* We have eaten together hitherto, Belle-Rose ; wherefore should we then take our meals apart now?” returned Alfred. ‘ Cursed marrow-bone!” eried Champignon, who entered at the moment; ‘it would have made so delicate an addition to the repast !”’ ‘‘We are doing honour to your viands, my worthy Apicius,” exclaimed Belle-Rose, helping himself to a plentiful supply of hashed turkey. ‘‘] reserved the dish for you, master Mercury,”’ retorted the eastronomer, who had somewhere read or heard that the winged messenger of Jupiter was the patron of thieves and vagabonds. ‘“¢You will, of course, partake of the dainties which you yourself have arranged?” said De Rosann; but before the last syllable had fairly left his lips, Champignon was already seated at the table, and playing a vigorous game with his fork. After breakfast, De Rosann left his companions for a moment, to pay his respects to Mrs. Clayton. The reception he experienced was cold and chilling in the extreme: he, however, affected not to perceive it, but with the natural ease of a polished Frenchman informed himself of her health, made a few indifferent remarks relative to the weather, et cetera, and then arose to say adieu. The lovers exchanged tender and expressive glances. Mrs. Clayton condescended so far as ‘* to wish Monsieur De Rosann well ;” and her brother-in-law said boldly, ‘¢ Do not forget to write from Paris, my dear Alfred, and tell me how the world uses you; for God knows that Destiny has lately reserved some sad vicissitudes to try your patience.” ‘Be assured of my punctuality as a correspondent,” replied the youth, pressing with fervour the hand which was held out to him. ‘“¢ And rely upon my friendship for ever,” exclaimed Mr. Clayton, placing a peculiar emphasis upon his words. ‘¢ My stay at St. Malo will be so short,” observed De Rosann, ‘“‘that I shall not have the pleasure of seeing you again.” ‘What! do you intend to leave immediately after you set foot 16 ECORNIE OOOKS (EO)