Belle Rose: A Romance of the Cloak and Sword — page 85: what you’re looking at

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

A FRIEND AND AN ENEMY. 73 “‘Not yet!’ exclaimed some one near by, and at the same moment an unknown man made his appearance. He was a handsome young fellow, with a firm and can- did expression of countenance. His costume, void of rib- bons and embroidery, gave him the appearance of a stu- dent, but he had the bearing and the sword of a gentle- man. ‘‘What did you say?’’ interposed Monsieur de Villebrais, ‘fand in what are you mixing?”’ ‘‘T said what I wished, and I mix in the affairs of others when it pleases me,’’ the unknown gravely replied. Upon a gesture from the lieutenant, the coachman, who was hesitating since the unexpected intervention of the cavalier, advanced toward Claudine. He had not made two steps when the hand of the unknown was placed upon his shoulder. ‘‘Listen,’ 1e seid tohim. ‘‘This gentleman has prom- ised you ten louis to carry mademoiselle to the Porcherons. I promise you a hundred stripes across your back if you do not take her to yonder farm-house; but I'will join my invitation to that of monsieur to ask youto aid her to mount the fiacre. Do you understand?”’ ‘‘Quite well,’’ said the coachman, who felt, from the manner in which the cavalier’s hand was placed upon his shoulder, that there was no objection to make to &@ man so full of eloquence and vigor. A new conviction had just penetrated his mind, and like a zealous neophyte he ran to open the portiére, wishing, by his zeal, to demonstrate the warmth of his conversion. **Enter, mademoiselle,’’ said the unknown, presenting his hand to Claudine; ‘‘I answer to you for the good senti- ments of this honest coachman. Am I right, friend?’’ % **You do me too much honor,’’ replied the coachman, & who rubbed his shoulder as he closed the portiére. The intervention of the stranger had been so rapid, ac- tion had so promptly followed words, that Monsieur _ de Villebrais and Belle-Rose had remained mute specta- _ tors ofthis scene. But when Claudine sat down in the __ fiacre, Monsieur de Villebrais felt all his anger blaze up _ + again. He rushed upon Belle-Rose, sword in hand, and _ made such afurious thrust that it would have pierced him _ through and through, if Belle-Rose, at the noise of his oe es had not thrown himself to one side. The blade ‘Se the sergeant’s clothes and glided along his shoul- er; ; but thanks to the quickness of his movement, the 5 hy was eercached, nea Ce. ae Eomichooksre