Alfred de Rosann — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

ALFRED DE ROSANN. 123 while I am as poor as a peasant of Auvergne. ’Tis true, I could eat up all France and Navarre in six months, if any one would give me the chance. But that does not put guineas into my pocket; and [I al- ready owe a tolerable round sum to Markham.”’ “M. Belle-Rose,”’ said Alfred, firmly, and in a severe tone of voice, “I thought that when we tacitly concluded our agreement—a compact you yourself suggested—” | “That we should remain mortal enemies, eh? Oh! no,’ interrupted Belle-Rose; “I entertain too sincere an affection for you to continue at warfare. Peace! Peace! is my motto, De Rosann.. So give me your hand—and a little. money in it, if you please; because I am miserably poor.”’ “ For the last time, Belle-Rose, I will accede to your request,’’ cried our hero, unlocking his writing-desk, and taking out some money: “ but, remember, that this is absolutely the last time; and that if you call upon me again, I will sooner brave exposure at your hands than satisfy your rapacious demands. ‘There are a hundred pounds at your service; take them, and let me see your face no more.”’ ‘Shall I give you my acknowledgment?”’ inquired Belle-Rose, coolly transferring the bank-notes from the table to-his pocket. “YJdiot!?? exclaimed Alfred: “ do you think I ever wish you to pay me, even if you could?”’ “ You are perfectly right not to expect it,’’ said the adventurer. ‘Good morning, my dear De Rosann; and be assured you possess my most undivided friend- ship.”’ With these words the soi-disant Count left the room; and in the afternoon the respectable inhabitants of the Quadrant were again gratified with the appear- ance of the little Frenchman, who sported more chains, was dressed in better style, and threw a greater swagger into his gait than ever. De Rosann received satisfactory letters from St. COMIC OOOL< eo