Alfred; or, The Adventures of a French Gentleman — page 123: what you’re looking at

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

102 ALFRED; OR ADVENTURES “ Your jocularity would have been more adroitly placed, methinks,’’ returned Champignon gravely, ‘ after a substantial breakfast. An empty stomach is not good to laugh upon.” «Did you not sup last night, then, before you lay down to rest in the manger 2” inquired De Rosann. “In truth, did I, and the raging of my appetite was assuaged with viands that I cooked myself,” answered the gastronomer, a smile of satisfaction playing on his countenance ; “still it is no reason why we should not breakfast.” : “ Breakfast at daybreak !” cried Belle-Rose. “ Ah, is it soearly? I awoke about an hour ago—to the best of my recollection—and fancied the sun was rising; but not having reco- vered from the fatigues I endured yesterday, I determined to indulge in a little more sleep; and in order to do so with additional comfort, I en- sconced myself beneath the hay, of which you have just disencumbered me.” “ Parbleu! he has mistaken the glow occasioned by the fire, for the rising of the sun!” ejaculated Belle-Rose. “ Fire !’’ echoed Champignon, starting from his unpleasant posture, and seating himself in an easier one, while Belle-Rose proceeded to relate the circumstances attending the dreadful conflagration, of which our readers are already aware. ‘You did not save any of the cold turkey you alluded to?” asked Champignon, when Pierre had terminated his tale. “God knows!”’ replied Belle-Rose carelessly. ‘* By the bye,” he added, after a moment's pause, ‘since I have had the good nature to satisfy your curiosity, my worthy friend of the Cadran Rouge, you may as well do the same good office towards us, and recount the particulars of your escape from the bagne, whereat you commenced to be a mighty favourite. I cannot answer for De Rosann; but as far as regards my- self, I do not experience the slightest inclination to sleep. * The singu- larity of this encounter has quite banished all ideas of seeking repose from my mind; and I shall listen to your narrative with pleasure.” ‘‘ Not for worlds would I forego the proposed amusement,” said De Rosann ; ‘‘so let us seat ourselves on the hay, and attend to adven- tures which can be no otherwise than amusing.” '“ As for adventures,” cried Champignon, “ God knows I have passed through enough of them in a little space of time; and if you will pro- mise not to interrupt me, for I cannot bear interruptions, your curiosity shall be immediately gratified.” “Do not be alarmed on that head,”’ answered Belle-Rose; ‘‘ I myself am attention personified, and De Rosann will readily give the assurance you require ;—so no more nonsense, and commence.” ‘“‘T always made it a rule in my kitchen”— began Champignon, assum- ing an important air. ‘For God’s sake,” cried Belle-Rose, “let alone your kitchen during a short half hour, and tell us how you effected your escape from Brest.” “ Notwithstanding your promises, you interrupted me before I had completed ten words,”’ said the gastronomer sulkily. ‘“‘ Because your prelude seemed to menace a long culinary disserta- tion,’ returned Belle Rose; “ and much as I respect your talents in that ECORNIElOOOKS (E()