Alfred; or, The Adventures of a French Gentleman — page 106: what you’re looking at

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

OF A FRENCH GENTLEMAN. 87 his intention or introducing the man whose ambition soared no higher than a pigstye for a couch. But just as he was about to raise the latch, a sudden idea struck him, and he retraced his steps towards the table. ‘“ Do you know, my friends,” said he with a serious air, ‘that the request of this nocturnal visiter is somewhat singular? It strikes me he is the convict for whose flight the guns fired the third time this morning. At all events, let us be upon our guard; and as it does not suit myself nor my comrade to associate with the fugitive, if it be he, you, Theodore, had better accede to his request: give him a bed in an outhouse—”’ ‘« There 1s none.” ‘‘ Well, in the pigstye, then, since that cleanly tenement can content him ; and we will send the poor fellow the relics of our supper, with a glass of cognac to cheer his spirits.” Theodore hastily coliected together the remnants of the meat and bread, which were upon the table, and having poured out a tolerable guantum of brandy intoa glass, he hastened to administer to the wants of the wretched being, whose situation was so deplorable as to force him to solicit the boon that had excited such general mirth. In about five minutes he returned: a smile was still on his countenance, but it was mingled with an expression of pity. Marie wiped a tear from her eyes, and turned away to conceal her emotion. “ T endeavoured to make the poor fellow comfortable,” said Theodore; ‘“ he trembled like a leaf; but it was more through fear than cold. He told me he had not eaten a morsel since the morning, and that he had wandered nearly all day ina wood. I forbore asking any questions, contenting myself with assuring him that he might sleep in peace on my premises, and that he was heartily welcome. Had it not been so dark, he might have seen that I made but a foolish face, when I hammered out a lame excuse for not inviting him to enter the cottage. He was very grateful, however, poor fellow; and I think I heard him weep, as he took the food from my hand. So soon as the grey of morning appears, I will give him some provisions, and dismiss him before you rise from your beds.” These last words were addressed to Belle-Rose and De Rosann; and reminded them that they needed a good night’s rest after the fatigues of the day. ‘They accordingly thanked their kind hosts for the hospitality they had met with, and retired to the chamber which had been prepared by the industrious Marie for their reception. CHAP. XIII. THE FARM-HOUSE. ScAnceLy had the first ray of twilight announced the dawn, when Theodore left his bed, and sought the larder, to arrange a hasty break- fast for the traveller, whose contented disposition had solicited no better couch than the abode of the unclean animal. The hospitable peasant hastily piled some slices of cold meat on a huge piece of bread, to which were added a morsel of cheese, and a pint bottle of sour wine; and armed with these luxuries, he sallied forth to visit the modest stranger. CORNICE OOOKS (FO)