Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 242: what you’re looking at

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

Alfred de Rosann. 209 cloth was spread in the neat back parlour—the cotelettes a la quadrille were produced to tempt the appetite of the newly-arrived uest—and poor Champignon was amply rewarded in his own idea y the extravagant praises bestowed upon his cookery. ‘¢ Here is to your health, my dear Citron,” said Belle-Rose, ‘¢ gince such be your name; although, to confess the truth, I admire your origina’ one much more.” ‘¢A change was absolutely necessary, M. Belle-Rose,” returned. the astronomer, as he filled his own and his companion’s glass with marasquino. ‘¢ And pray, does your establishment prosper ?” ‘¢To my heart’s content. There is not another shop like it in St. Malo, I flatter myself,” answered Champignon. ‘¢ Ah! I am glad to hear such excellent news,” cried Belle-Rose. ‘¢'You know, my dear Cham— Citron, I always entertained a par- ticular friendship for you; and had it not been for my advice, your fingers could never have touched the little bequest you received at the hands of De Rosann.” ‘¢ Allow me to return my most sincere thanks,” said Champignon. ‘¢ And, while I think of our absent acquaintance, let me ask after - your friend De Rosann.” ‘¢ Yes—he was my friend—my intimate friend, as you say. [ left him in London—enjoying himself—this marasquino is excellent— flirting with the girls—-another glass, if you please—and carrying on a fine game—you may fill it up to the brim.” ‘‘T am rejoiced at these good tidings,” exclaimed the gastro- nomer, having recourse a third time to the stone bottle in which the racy liqueur was contained. ‘¢ It was not with the five hundred francs alone that you set up this shop,” said Belle-Rose after a pause, during which he savoured the marasquino as if it were the nectar of the gods. ‘¢ Do you not recollect that I had a cousin in St. Malo, to whom I once rendered important pecuniary assistance? I sought his aid and advice, and I found him not only grateful for my bounty to- wards him, but also willing toserve me. He lent me three thousand francs—procured me unlimited credit—and assisted me to the utmost of his power.” R ‘You always have a little money in your till, then,” said Belle- ose. ‘¢ Thank God ! my business is increasing daily,” replied Cham- pignon ; ‘‘and I have no reason to complain.” ‘¢ Tf I only had a thousand francs,” cried Belle-Rose, ‘* I should secure a rapid fortune.” ‘* Indeed !” exclaimed the gastronomer: ‘ how so ?” _“ By making rat-traps,” returned Belle-Rose, affecting a se- rious alr. ‘¢ Rat-traps!’ ejaculated Champignon, who was very much inclined to laugh. ‘‘ There are already plenty of rat-traps in France.” ‘¢Q yes !—common things—that hold each only one rat,” said Belle-Rose without relaxing from his well-assumed gravity. “TI COnicbooolks (GO)