Year: 1871

A 7 THE period to which this story
"A more particularly refers, there stood
in the high road leading to the village of
Schwalbach, long, low, old-fashioned inn,
which boasted of more than ordinary
amount of out-houses and grounds in its
rear 1t was never at any time afirst-class
establishment nevertheless, its proprietors
for it changed hands several times during
its chequered career-appeared to drive a
tolerably profitable trade. One evening
Count Tottleben was travelling in light,
open chaise, accompanied by single SER
want, ON the road leading to Schwalbach,
when the house in question attracted his
attention. The season was cold the evening
was far advanced, both travellers were wet
to the skin, and the heavy clouds above,
and the drizzling rain, rendered the road
more miserably dark and cheerless


81 shall not risk going any further,
Franz" said the Count, addressing his
servant. "Yonder house will doubtless
afford us accommodation for the night.
Dost thou know aught of it?"


"No my lord, but dare say it will do
well enough"


"Then we will pull up here, and take our
chance, unless you know of a better place
in the village"


Franz declared that he knew but little of
that part of the country, and his master,
therefore, halted at the inn. He alighted
and entered, resolving to set out early in
the morning.


The people of the house seemed very at
tentive and obliging. The count was shown
into comfortable looking room up stairs,
which was clean and neat.


His orders were obeyed with alacrity,
and supper was being prepared he had
every reason for being well pleased with
his reception. Accustomed from his youth
to wandering life, he made it practice
when in houses of public entertainment
to pass very little of his time in his own
apartment but generally chose rather to
associate with the other guests in the pub
lie room. There he entered into conversa-
tion with every one, whether foreigner or
native--whether noble or peasant.


He was consequently voted by all who
knew him as the best of good fellows, and
ajolly companion to boot. In short, the
Count was a general favorite with both
sexes.


On the present occasion, he adhered to
his usual custom, and passed an hour or
more below in the public room. lie con-
versed with the host, and then passed sew
eral compliments upon the appearance and
manners of the hostess, who was young
and exceedingly pretty woman. The laugh
and jest went round, and all present seemed
in admirable good humor, which was coil-
siderably enehanced upon the Count de-
claring that he supposed that he should
have to stand godfather to the landlord s
frst-b born. The hostess blushed, but could
not refrain from indulging in a hearty
laugh. 4A3f gsl


"You must not mind what / say, my
friend, observed the Count TO the land
lord. Z" It's my way, people tell me and
the ladies especially declare that am a
privileged person. You've an amiable
wife, I'm sure-any one can see that.
hope you prize and cherish her-indeed
Pm sure you do f. u H n N ID


OF course the speaker was answered in
the Affirmative but there was certain
hesitation and uneasiness betrayed by both
husband and wife which the Count could
not readily account for; 50 he persued the
conversation in tone Of banter and good
humor, but failed to elicit anything from
either party. fsf4 aos an .tsrtN .r.f


81 shall know more about these people
before morning, dare say" thought the
Count. perhaps am on the wrong