Alfred; or, The Adventures of a French Gentleman — page 208: what you’re looking at

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

OF A FRENCH GENTLEMAN. 177 put the wound was neither dangerous nor severe. De Rosann assisted Belle-Rose and Herbert to convey him to the carriage in which he had arrived; and the surgeon walked by their side, hold- ing forth, in a very learned discourse, on what might have been the results, if the ball had lodged in the sufferer’s body. But as only Mr. Herbert and the unfortunate sufferer himself understood the language he spoke, the chirurgeon’s oration was not productive of any wonderful effect. When our hero and his second had thus done all they could to aid the wounded man, they recommended him to the care of Belle- Rose, and sought their own vehicle, to return to town. On their arrival at the hotel, Mr. Robson, who had anxiously posted himself at the window, during the last half-hour, and who began to think the time very long, received De Rosann with open arms, and em- braced him with such force, that Alfred was fain to cry out. Mr. Herbert was obliged to submit to the same ceremony, for having brought back the belligerent hero safe; and, having made both second and principal promise to dine with him that very afternoon, in order to drink a glass of champagne to the victor’s success, the banker withdrew from the hotel, and returned to his own house, where he found a comfortable breakfast awaiting his arrival. Selina was the first to notice the air of satisfaction and joy, with which her father entered the room; and Mrs. Robson expressed her curiosity, to know what particular business could have made him quit his warm bed at so early an hour. ‘‘ Only a little affair, my love,” cried the banker, rubbing his nands together, and seating himself at the table. “It was not exactly in my line, it is true: but a triend in such a predica- ment—” *¢ Lord! Mr. Robson, how mysternous you are!” exclaimed his better half: ‘‘ cannot you entrust us with your secret?” _ No secret, my dear—no secret, I assure you: ’tis all over now —mierely a meeting—’ ‘¢ What! of Williams the stockbroker’s creditors at five o’clock in the morning ?” interrupted Mrs. Robson. P “ Not atall: ’twas a meeting of a different nature,” returned the banker, who seemed delighted to keep his fair spouse in sus- pense; ‘a meeting at which you will never be, my love—a meet- ing, in fine, between Messieurs Markham and De Rosann!’ ‘* A duel !’’ cried Selina, her countenance becoming deadly pale, and her bosom heaving a deep-drawn sigh. “ Our friend is safe, thank God !” continued the banker, helping himself to a hot buttered roll and anegg. ‘ He behaved nobly, I understand—” | ‘¢ You were not present, then, papa,” said Mary. ‘“ No, my love; Mr. Herbert officiated as M. De Rosann’s second, and I remained at the hotel until their return. Markham was wounded in the ribs; but Alfred is untouched.” ‘¢ Thank God?’ cried Selina, involuntarily, her pale features becoming suddenly animated by an expression of joy, and then as 20 | CoOmicoookkS.c©