Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 148: what you’re looking at

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

Alfred de Rosann. 121 “Yes, slightly.” replied Alfred. ‘But that will not make. me alter my plans, nor separate from vou till we arrive in Paris.” ‘© Tant mieux,” said Belle-Rose: ‘<I am not yet wearied of your company, although I have sense enough to know, De Rosann, that my society cannot always suit you; and that if you ever rise in the world, our friendship is at an end.” ‘‘You wrong me, Belle-Rose, I declare upon my honour,” returned De Rosann. ‘ It is true that your pursuits and mine are somewhat at variance with each other; but I shall not easily forget the obligations I am under to you. Had it not been for your aid and advice, I should perhaps have starved, or been recaptured im- mediately after my flight from Brest: indeed, I do know that I should have had the courage to attempt an escape.” ‘Say as little about that as possible, De Rosann; and.let us commence an attack on some of the messes which Champignon has dished up. But perhaps you breakfast with your friends ? ” ‘; We have eaten together hitherto, Belle-Rose ; wherefore should we then take our meals apart now?” returned Alfred. ‘-Cursed marrow-bone!” cried Champignon, who entered at the moment; ‘‘ it would have made so delicate an addition to the repast |” ‘‘We are doing honour to your viands, my worthy Apicius,” exclaimed Belle-Rose, helping himself to a plentiful supply of hashed turkey. ‘‘T reserved the dish fur you, master Mercury,” retorted the gastronomer, who had somewhere read or heard that the winged messenger of Jupiter was the patron of thieves and vagabonds. You will,. of. course, partake of the dainties which you yourself have arranged?” said De Rosann; but before the last syllable had fairly eft his lips, Champignon was already seated at the table, and playing a vigorous game with his fork. After breakfast, De Rosann left his companions for a moment, to pay his respects to Mrs. Clayton. The reception he experienced was cold and chilling in the extreme: he, however, affected not to perceive it, but with the natural ease of a polished Frenchman informed himself of her health, made a few indifferent remarks relative to the weather, et cetera, and then arose to say adieu. The lovers exchanged tender and expressive glances. Mrs. Clayton condescended so far as ‘to wish Monsieur De Rosann well;” and her brother-in-law said boldly, ‘‘ Do not forget to write from Paris, my dear Alfred, and tell me how the world uses you; for God knows that Destiny has lately reserved some sad vicissitudes to try your patience.” , ‘‘ Be assured of my punctuality as a correspondent,” replied the youth, pressing with fervour the hand which was held out to im. ‘¢ And rely upon my friendship for ever,” exclaimed Mr. Clayton, placing a peculiar emphasis upon his words. “6 M; stay at St. Malo will be so short,” observed De Rosann, ‘¢that I shall not have the pleasure of seeing you again.” ‘What! do you intend to leave immediately after you set foot COMRnIClooo SS (GO)