Alfred de Rosann

About this issue

Alfred de Rosann: The Adventures of a French Gentleman, by George W. M. Reynolds, presents a romance and intrigue narrative set in France. The protagonist, Alfred de Rosann, an escaped convict from the galleys, is in love with Eloise Clayton. Her mother opposes their union, partly from pride in her supposed French noble heritage. Mr. Clayton, Eloise's uncle and De Rosann's supporter, loans him twenty thousand francs and advises him to travel to Paris to approach a man named Leblond, who may assist De Rosann in obtaining a royal pardon through his connections in secret service. Meanwhile, comic relief emerges through the character Champignon, De Rosann's cook, whose mishap chasing the dog Azor results in physical comedy with a local official. De Rosann arranges to breakfast separately from Eloise to avoid offending Mrs. Clayton, while Mr. Clayton remains to help reconcile the lovers' separation.