Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 97: what you’re looking at

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

78 Alfred de Rosann. “ Of course it was killed ?”’ remarked the girl. ‘No such thing: the cows in that country wear steel jackets and wadded pelisses; and in this instance the happy animal escaped un- hurt.” ‘* Papa has not seen so many wonderful sights,” cried Jeannette, shaking her head to express the extent of her astonishment at these marvels. ‘‘ I dare swear he has not,” carelessly remarked Belle-Rose. ‘¢ Nor will he ever,” added De Rosann with a significant accent ; for he was afraid his companion would soon launch out into exaggera- tions even too ridiculous to be believed by the old woman and her ignorant grand-daughter. But at that moment the door opened, and a sturdy peasant entered the hut. He made a respectful bow in a mili- tary fashion to the two strangers, and, drawing forward another stool, seated himself at the table, on which Jeannette placed three soup-plates and as many wooden spoons. ‘¢ Will not those gentlemen condescend to partake of our soup?” asked the labourer in good French, which contrasted strongly with the horrible patois spoken by his mother. Jeannette made a sign for her father to change the conversation; but the hospitable peasant did not understand her meaning, and persisted in his inquiry wherefore De Rosann and Belle-Rose disdained the soup ? ‘‘ People who have seen kings never eat soupe maigre, papa,’ ex- claimed Jeannette, unable to keep silent any longer on that interesting head. ‘‘ The girl is mad!” cried Claude, for such was the peasant’s name: ‘‘have not I often seen our gallant Emperor? and do I refuse good potage on account of that? No, no! such pride is too ridiculous!” ‘* Napoleon was not so tal] as you,’ returned Jeannette ; * but these gentlemen have seen the King of China—the celebrated Caccancaran- cary, or some such name—who is as high as the tower at Brest—who eats ten oxen at one meal—who sits upon a crocodile—who takes up a cow by the tail—and who clothes his cattle in steel jackets and wadded pelisses.” The astonishment of the worthy peasant at this tirade can be better conceived than described: the extraordinary contortion that his coun- tenance assumed—the rolling of his eyes—and the manner in which he held his breath so as not to lose a syllable, made such an impression upon Belle-Rose and De Rosann, that they burst forth into a convul- sive fit of laughter, thus adding to the poor man’s confusion. ‘Twas a fairy tale—do you seer—a romance that I told your daughter ere now,” cried Belle-Rose, with tears still in his eyes—the effect of the violent excitement his risible muscles had undergone. ‘* Ah! I comprehend,’ returned Claude; and he good-humouredly joined in the mirth as heartily as his two guests. ‘¢ Then ‘tis all false!” cried Jeannette pettishly. ‘‘ Nay, my child—it was done to amuse you,’ said her father, who had remarked the frown upon her countenance. ‘¢ In that case I will forgive you,” exclaimed she, casting a kind glance at Belle-Rose. COnicbooolks (GO)