Alfred; or, The Adventures of a French Gentleman — page 245: what you’re looking at

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

2910 ALFRED: OR ADVENTURERS have ebtained a patent in England for my invention of a rat-trap, which is not larger than the stone-bottle you hold in your hand, and which can catch five and twenty rats at a time.” : ‘‘ Wonderful!’ shouted Champignon. ‘Let us drink to th. success of the rat-traps,” he added, once more filling the glasses. ‘‘ And if I had a thousand francs to complete the necessary sum to take out a patent in France, I should make my fortune. I have already corresponded with the Ministers of Commerce and Public Instruction on the subject; and they have assured me of their patronage.” ‘¢ So small a sum is the utmost you require !” cried Champignon. ‘¢ Every centime,” answered the wily Belle-Rose ; ‘ and the per- son who would advance the money shall share in the profits.” ‘¢ Nothing can be fairer,” said Champignon, musing: then in a few minutes he added, “I think I could accommodate you—M. Belle-Rose—I am not a rich man—but I have certainly a few francs to spare—yes—I can lend you the money—and with plea- sure too.” ‘‘ My dearest Citron—let me embrace you!” exclaimed Belle- Rose. ‘* You have restored hope to my soul: the nation is swarm- ing with rats, and I am sure of having a rapid sale for my traps. Give me the money; and this very minute will | commence my labours.” The credulous Champignon opened his desk and counted a thou- sand francs upon the table. Belle-Rose immediately conveyed the littering coin to his pockets; and having embraced the generous friend he was so grossly deceiving, the adventurer departed, rejoiced at the success of his visit, while the gastronomer was delighted at the prospect held out of reaping a considerable benefit from the lucrative speculation. <‘ Belle-Rose is a clever fellow,” said he to himself, when he was once more alone: ‘* and before he has done with them, there will not be a rat nor a mouse all over the country.” As Belle-Rose issued from Champignon’s shop, he encountered Mr. Clayton, and immediately recognised him to be the gentleman who accompanied the two ladies at Louis Dorval’s house, and who had supplied De Rosann with a considerable sum of money. It was a maxim of Belle-Rose never to lose any thing for want of civility, nor for want of asking. He therefore saluted Mr. Clayton, and made a remark relative to the weather, or some common-place matter. ‘¢T think I have had the pleasure of seeing you before,” said Mr. Clayton, acknowledging the adventurer’s polite bow ; ‘‘ but my memory fails me as I grow older,” he added with a smile. Belle-Rose mentioned his name, and explained where they had met; and Mr. Clayton accidentally noticed that De Rosann was in London. ‘¢T came from England myself three days ago,” said Belle-Rose ; ‘cand am not at all sorry to be back again in my native land. The English are a—” he was going to say ‘‘a miserable, morose, reserved people—” but recollecting Mr. Clayton was himself a son b CORNICE OOKS (GO)