The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1841-10-02


the first time looked up from his paper,
and quietly regarded him Uis-a-ris. There
could not in the world be stronger con-
trast TO the bland look and courteous ex-
pressions Of Trevanion's handsome fea-
lures, than the savage scowl Of the ell
ragged Frenchman, in whose features the
strong and ill-repressed workings of pas
sion were twitching and distoriing every
lineament and line; indeed, no words
could ever convey, One-ilali SO iorcibly us
did that look, insult-open, palpable,
deep, determined, insult.
TreyaniOn, whose eyes had been mere
ly for moment lifted from his paper,
again FELL and he appeared to take no no.
tee whatever of the extraordinary proX-
unity of the Ffcnchnan, still less OF the
savage and Insulting nature of his looks.
lie Cap,ainc, having thus failed to
bring OH the reimbursement he sought for,
proceeded to accomplish it by other
means; for, taking the lamp, by the
light of which Trevanion was still read
ing, he placed it at his side of the ia
bic, and, at the same instant. stretching
across his ARM he plucked the newspaper
from his hand, giving at the same moment
glance of triumph towards the bystand-
ers, as though he would say. "you see
what he must submit to-" Words can
not describe the establishment of the Brit
sh officers, as they beheld Trevanion, I'M
der this gross, open insult, content HIMSELF
by slight smile and half bow, as if re-
turning courtesy, and then threw his eye
downwards, as if engaged in deep thought,
while the triumphant sneer of the French
man, at this unaccountabe conduct. was
absolutely maddenng to them to endure.
But their patience was destined to sub
nit to stronger proof, for at this instant
lie Capitaine stretched forth one of his
enormous legs, cased in his massive jack
boot, and with a crash deposited the heel
upon the foot of their friend, Trevanion.
At length he is reused, thought they, for
slight flush of crimson fitted across his
cheek, and his upper lip trembIed with
quick spasmodic twtching but both these
signs were over in a second, and his fea-
lures were as calm and unmoyed as before,
and his on y appearance of consciousness
of the affront was given by his drawing
back his chair, and placing his legs be-
meath it as if for protection.
This last insult, and the tame forbear-
ance with which it was submitted to. pro-
duced all their opposite effects upon the
byslanders, and looks of ungovernablc
rage and derisve contempt were every
moment interchanging; indeed, were it
not for the all-absorbing interest which
the two great actors in the scene had con-
centrated upon themselves, the two par
ties must have come at once into open
conflict.
The clock Of the cafe struck nine, the
hour at which Gendemar always retired,
SO calling to the waiter for his petit rene
of brandy, he placed his newspaper upon
the table, and putting both elbows u pom
it, and his chin upon his hand, he stared
full in Trevanion's face, with a look of
the most derisiye triumph, meant to crown
the achievements of the evening. TO this,
as to all his former insults, Trevanion ap-
peared still insensible, and merely regard
ed him with never changing smile; the
petite uene arrived; lie Capitaine took it in
I. 81