Alfred; or, The Adventures of a French Gentleman — page 203: what you’re looking at

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172 ALFRED; OR ADVENTURES sibility of being killed, or, perhaps, mutilated for life; and when the recollection intruded itself upon his memory, he dismissed it with an expression of contempt, to the effect, ‘‘ that 1t was a baga- telle unworthy of consideration.” It is in this particular point that the Frenchman differs so materially from the Englishman ; not that the discrepancy consists in the courage of the one, and the cowardice of the other, because such an assertion would be ridi- culous and false in the extreme. An Englishman is as brave as a Frenchman ; but the valour of the former is mingled with caution and prudence; and the dauntlessness of the latter is blind, and indifferent to consequences. Thus was it, that often on the field of battle the magnanimity and lion-daring of the sons of Gaul were rendered unavailing, and necessitated to succumb, by the cool and calculating courage of those who fought under the British standard. The Frenchman is all vivacity and rashness; he is like the mettled steed that hears the bugle of the huntsman and the howling of the dogs; he often experiences defeat and disgrace, by aiming at impossibilities in a moment of excitement: he rushes headlong upon the bayonet, and does not wait to wrest it from the enemy's grasp. 3 While De Rosann was seated at his breakfast-table, he was sur- prised by a visit from Mr. Robson. ‘‘T have just been informed of your dispute last night with a - Mr. Markham,” said the worthy banker, panting for breath, and throwing himself upon a chair; “‘and I hastened to ascertain the particulars. Is it likely that you will hear any more of the indi- vidual, who, according to the account Selina gave me, is nothing more than a common swindler or adventurer.” ‘¢T am doubtful,” returned De Rosann carelessly. ‘‘ But how is your family after the fatigues of the ball” ‘¢ The devil take the ball!” cried Mr. Robson. ‘* You seem to think as much of a very—very serious matter, as I do of the greatest trifle.” | ‘¢ Do you allude to the probability of a duel?” asked De Rosann, sipping his chocolate with the most ineftable sang-frovd. ‘Certainly, my young friend ; in England, it is not customary to regard life as an object without value. Existence bears a high per-centage amongst us.” ‘¢ If you wish me to reflect for one moment upon the matter,” said Alfred, assuming a grave look to oblige the good-natured banker, who was exceedingly anxious on his friend’s account, ‘ I must obey you; and the result of my rumination will be, that if Mr. Markham can possibly muster the money to pay me, he wall also find the courage to fight. He has a reputation at stake ; and a duel would restore him to public favour.” ‘¢ In that case, my dear Rosann, I must find you a second,” cried Mr. Robson: ‘but I hope to God that Markham, or whatever his name may be, will look in vain for the cash. You know I would myself willingly act as your friend on such an occasion—but a banker, and the father of a family—not a young man either—” ‘Do not think of offering an apology,” interrupted our hero. EOMMICLIOOLKSn(€©)