bore us off flying before the gale. A glance from her husband, however, caused my Cinderella to dive into the lower regions again before the termination of the dance, exclaiming, as I caught the last glimpse of her, 'Well, perhaps after supper.' I continued to wander about, and turned my attention to the bride, but she was 'hässlich' plain, so I consoled myself with supper, and sent a dozen of wine to the orchestra, which I afterwards heard had been presented to them with the compliments of the great English lord from the Felzen Gebirgen.' After supper I regained my beautiful hostess, who, in addition to a more becoming change in her dress, had donned a pair of newer shoes that did not come off every moment in dancing. Shortly after we reappeared, the Hockheimer was finished in the gallery, whence, in gratitude or honour to me, 'God save the Queen' rang out its thrilling harmonies from seventeen brass throats. I felt so

touched by the compliment, that I think I should have sent another dozen aloft but for the expostulations of my fair partner, who was apprehensive of its influence on the music. I remained so late that all the omnibuses had returned to town except the one destined for the conveyance of the orchestra, with whom I took my place at two in the morning, to return to the planter's house. In conversation with them I happened to ask if they knew a favourite polka of mine. 'Oh, ja!' and in an instant all the brass instruments were blazing away in the confined space of the crowded omnibus. Fortunately, however, before the drum of my ear gave way the axletree tree did, and down we came with a jolt that put an end to harmony; off rolled one of the wheels, and-chaqu'un pour soi'-each had to make his way home as well as he could."pp. 301-303.

I HAD often heard that the day which should see the count restored to us, would be one of festivity and enjoyment. Again and again had we talked over all our plans of pleasure for that occasion; but the reality was destined to bring black disappointment! We were returning in sadness from the toll-house, when a messenger came running to tell of the count's arrival ; and my mother, leaving me with Raper, to whom she whispered a few hurried words, hastened homewards.

I thought it strange that she had not taken me along with her, but I walked along silently at Raper's side, lost in my own thoughts, and not sorry to have for my companion, one little likely to disturb them. We sauntered onward through some meadows that skirted the river; and at last, coming down to the stream, seated ourselves by the brink, each still sunk in his own reflections.

It was a bright day of midsummer: the air had all that exhilaration peculiar to the season in these Alpine districts.

The stream ran clear as crystal at our feet; and the verdure of grass and foliage was in its full perfection. But one single object recalled a thought of sorrow, and that was the curtained window of the little chamber wherein Herr Robert lay dead.

To this spot my eyes would return, do what I could; and thither, too, sped all my thoughts, in spite of me. The influence which for some time back he had possessed over me, was perfectly distinct from that which originates in affectionate attachment. Indeed all his appeals to me were the very reverse of such. His constant argument was, that a man, fettered by affection, and restricted by ties of family, was worthless for all purposes of high ambition; and that for the real successes of life, one must sacrifice everything like individual enjoyment. So far had he impressed me with these notions, that I already felt a kind of pleasure in little acts of self-denial, and rose in my own esteem by slight traits of self-restraint. The compara

"My story, my dear Jasper, is but the history of my own day. The least eventful of lives would be adventurous if placed alongside of mine. I began the world such as you see me, poor, humble-minded, and lowly. I continue my journey in the same spirit that I set out. The tastes and pursuits that then gave me pleasure are still the same real sources of enjoyment to me. What were duties are now delights. Your dear mother was once my pupil as you are now; and it is my pride to see that she has neither forgotten our old lessons, nor lived to think them valueless. Even here have I seen her fall back upon the pursuits which occupied her childhood; ay, and they have served to lighten some gloomy hours too."

Raper quickly perceived, from the anxiety with which I had listened, that he had already spoken too much; and he abruptly changed the topic by saying

How we shall miss the poor Herr Robert! He had grown to seem one of ourselves!"

"And is my mother unhappy, Mr. Joseph ?" said I, recurring to the former remarks.

"Which of us can claim an exemption from sorrow, Jasper? Do you not think that the little village yonder, in that cleft of the mountain-secluded as it looks has not its share of this world's griefs? Are there not the jealousies, and the rivalries, and the heartburnings of large communities within that narrow spot?"

While he was yet speaking, a messenger came to summon me home. The countess, he said, was waiting dinner for me, and yet no invitation came for Raper. He seemed, however, not to notice the omission, but taking my hand, led me along homeward. I saw that some strong feeling was working within, for twice or thrice he pressed my hand fervently, and seemed as if about to say something, and then subduing the impulse, he walked on in silence.

"Make my respectful compliments to the count, Jasper," said he, as we came to the door, "and say that I will wait upon him when it is his pleasure

other time;" and, hurriedly shaking my hand, he retired.

As I slowly, step by step, mounted the stair, I could not help asking myself, was this the festive occasion I had so often pictured to myself?- -was this the happy meeting I had looked forward to so longingly? As I drew near the door I thought I heard a sound like a heavy sob; my hand trembled when I turned the handle of the lock and entered the room.

"This is Jasper," said my mother, coming towards me, and trying to smile through what I could see were

The count was seated on an easy chair, still dressed in the pelisse he had worn on the journey, and with his travelling-cap in his hand. He struck me as a handsome and distinguishedlooking man, but with a countenance that alike betrayed passion and intemperance. The look he turned on me as I came forward was assuredly not one of kindness or affection, nor did he extend his hand to me in sign of salutation.

"And this is Jasper!" repeated he slowly, after my mother. "He isn't tall of his age, I think."

"We have always thought him so," said my mother gently, "and assuredly he is strong and well grown.'

"The better able will he be to brave fatigue and hardship," said he sternly. "Come forward, sir, and tell me something about yourself. What have they taught you at school?-has Raper made you a bookworm, dreamy and goodfor-nothing as himself?"

"Would that he had made me resemble him in anything!" cried I, sionately.

pas

"It were a pity such a moderate ambition should go unrewarded," replied he, with a sneer. "But to the purpose. What do you know?"

"Little, sir; very little."
"And what can you do?"
"Even less."

sir," added he, turning to me, "the countess tells me that you are naturally sensitive, quick to feel censure, and prone to brood over it. Is this the case ?"

"I scarcely know if it be," said I. "I have but a slight experience of it." 'Ay, that's more like the truth,' said he gaily. "The language of blame is not familiar to him. So then, from Raper you have learned little. Now, what has the great financier and arch-swindler Law taught you?"

"Emile, Emile," broke in my mother, "this is not a way to speak to the boy, nor is it by such lessons he will be trained to gratitude and affection.

"

"Even there, then, will my teaching serve him," said he, laughingly. "From all that I have seen of life, these are but unprofitable emotions."

I did not venture to look at my mother, but I could hear how her breathing came fast and thick, and could mark the agitation she was under.

66

Now, Jasper," said he, " sit down here beside me, and let us talk to each other in all confidence and sincerity. You know enough of your history to be aware that you are an orphan; that both your parents died leaving you penniless, and that to this lady, whom till now you have called your mother, you owe your home."

My heart was full to bursting, and I could only clasp my mother's hand, and kiss it passionately, without being

able to utter a word.

"I neither wish to excite your feelings, nor to weary you," said he, calmly, but it is necessary that I should tell you, we are not rich. The fact, indeed, may have occurred to you already," said he, with a disdainful gesture of his hand, while his eye ranged over the poverty-stricken chamber where we sat. "Well," resumed he, "not being rich, but poor; so poor that I have known what it is to feel hunger, and thirst, and cold, for actual want. Worse again," cried he, with a wild and savage energy, "have felt the indignity of being scoffed at for my poverty, and seen the liveried scullions of a great house make jests upon my thread-bare coat and worn hat. It has been my own choosing, however, all of it!" and as he spoke, he arose and paced the room, with strides that made the frail chamber tremble beneath the tread.

"Dearest Emile," cried my mother, "let us have no more of this. Remember that it is so long since we met. Pray keep these sad reflections for another time, and let us enjoy the happiness of being once more together.'

"

"I have no time for fooling, madame," said he sternly; "I have come a long and weary journey about this boy. It is unlikely that I can afford to occupy myself with his affairs again. Let him have the benefit—if benefit there be of my coming. I would relieve you of the burden of his support, and himself of the misery of dependence."

I started with surprise. It was the first time I had ever heard the word with reference to myself, and a sense of shame, almost to sickness, came over me, as I stood there.

66

Jasper is my child; he is all that a son could be to his mother," cried Polly, clasping me in her arms, and kissing my forehead, and I felt as if my very heart was bursting. "Between us there is no question of burthen or independence.'

"We live in an age of fine sentiments and harsh actions," said the count. "I have seen M. de Robespierre shed tears over a dead canary, and I believe that he could control his feelings admirably on the Place de Grêve. Jasper, I see that we must finish this conversation when we are alone together. And now to dinner.'

He assumed a half air of gaiety as he said this, but it was unavailing as a means of rallying my poor mother, whose tearful eyes and trembling lips told how sadly dispirited she felt at heart.

I had heard much from my mother about the charms of the count's conversation, his brilliant tone, and his powers of fascination. It had been a favourite theme with her to dilate upon his wondrous agreeability, and the vast range of his acquaintance with popular events and topics. She had always spoken of him, too, as one of buoyant spirits, and even boyish lightheartedness. She had even told me that he would be my companion, like one of my own age. With what disappointment, then, did I find him the very reverse of all this. All his views of life savoured of bitterness and scorn -all his opinions were tinged with scepticism and distrust: he sneered at the great world and its vanities; but

even these he seemed to hold in greater estimation than the humble tranquillity of our remote village. I have him before me this instant, as he leaned out of the window, and looked down the valley towards the Spluzen Alps. The sun was setting, and only the tops of the very highest glaciers were now touched with its glory; their peaks shone like burnished gold in the sea of sky, azure and cloudless. The rest of the landscape was softened down into various degrees of shade, but all sufficiently distinct to display the wild and fanciful outlines of cliff and crag, and the zig-zag course by which the young Rhine forced its passage through the rocky gorge. Never had the scene looked in greater beauty. never had every effect of light and shadow been more happily distributed; and I watched him with eagerness, as he gazed out upon a picture which nothing in all Europe can surpass. His countenance for a while remained calm, cold, and unmoved; but at last he broke silence and said

"This it was, then, that gave that dark colouring to all your letters to me, Polly; and I half forgive you as I look at it. Gloom and barbarism were never more closely united."

"Oh, Emile, you surely see something else in this grand picture?” cried she, in a deprecating voice.

"Yes," said he, slowly-"I see poverty and misery-half-fed and halfclad shepherds-figures of bandit ruggedness and savagery. I see these, and I feel that to live amongst them, even for a brief space, would be to endure a horrid nightmare.'

He moved away as he spoke, and sauntered slowly out of the room, down the stairs, and into the street.

"Follow him, Jasper," cried Polly, eagerly "he is dispirited and depressed the journey has fatigued him, and he looks unwell. Go with him, but do not speak till he addresses you."

I did not much fancy the duty; but I obeyed without a word. He seemed to have quickened his pace, as he descended; for when I reached the street, I could detect his figure at some distance off in the twilight. He walked rapidly on, and when he arrived at the bridge he stopped, and, leaning against the ballustrade, looked up the valley.

"Are you weary of this, boy?" asked he, while he pointed up the glen.

I shook my head in dissent.

"Not tired of it!" he exclaimed"not heart-sick of a life of dreary monotony, without ambition, without an object? When I was scarcely older than you I was a guard-du-corps; at eighteen I was in the household, and mixing in all the splendour and gaiety of Paris; before I was twenty I fought the Duc de Valmy and wounded him. At the Longchamps of that same year I drove in the carriage with La Marquese de Rochvilliers, and all the world knows what success that was ! Well, all these things have passed away, and now we have a republic, and the coarse pleasures, and coarser tastes of the

canaille.' Men like me are not the mode, and I am too old to conform to the new school. But you are not so; you must leave this, boy; you must enter the world, and at once, too. You shall come back with me to Paris."

"And leave my mother?"

"She is not your mother; you have no claim on her as such; I am more your relative than she is, for your mother was my cousin. But we live in times when these ties are not binding. The guillotine loosens stronger bonds, and the whisper of the spy is more efficacious than the law of divorce. You must see the capital, and know what life really is. Here you will learn nothing but the antiquated prejudices of Raper, or the weak follies of others.'

He only spoke the last word after a pause of some seconds, and then moodily sank into silence.

I did not venture to utter a word, and waited patiently till he resumed, which he did by saying

"The countess has told you nothing of your history-nothing of your circumstances. Well, you shall hear all Indeed there are facts known to me with which she is unac

from me.

quainted. For the present, Jasper, I will tell you frankly that the humble pittance on which she lives is insufficient for the additional cost of your support. I can contribute nothing; I can be but a burthen myself. From herself you would never hear this; she would go on still, as she has done hitherto, struggling and pinching, battling with privations, and living that fevered life of combat that is worse than a thousand deaths. Raper, too, in his own fashion, would make sacri

fices for you; but would you endure the thought of this? Does not the very notion revolt against all your feelings of honour and manly independence? Yes, boy, that honest grasp of the hand assures me that you think so! You must not, however, let it appear that I have confided this fact to you. It is a secret that she would never forgive my having divulged. The very discussion of it has cost us the widest estrangements we have ever suffered, and it would peril the continuance of our affection to speak of it."

"I will be secret," said I, firmly.

"Do so, boy; and remember that when I speak of your accompanying me to Paris, you express your wish to see the capital and its brilliant pleasures. Show, if not weary of this dreary existence here, that you at least are. not dead to all higher and nobler ambitions. Question me about the life of the great world, and in your words and questions exhibit the interest the theme suggests. I have my own plan for your advancement, of which you shall hear later."

He seemed to expect that I would show some curiosity regarding the future, but my thoughts were all too busy with the present. They were all turned to that home I was about to leave to the fond mother I was to part from-to honest Joseph himself-my guide, my friend, and my companion; and for what? An unknown sea, upon which I was to adventure without enterprise or enthusiasm.

The count continued to talk of Paris, and his various friends there, with whom he assured me I should be a favourite. He pictured the life of the great city in all its brightest colours. He mentioned the names of many who had entered it as unknown and friendless as myself, and yet, in a few years, had won their way up to high distinction. There was a vagueness in all this, which did not satisfy me, but I was too deeply occupied with other thoughts to question or cavil at what he said.

When we went back to supper, Raper was there to pay his respects to the count. De Gabriac received his respectful compliments coldly and haughtily: he even interrupted the little address poor Joseph had so carefully studied and committed to memo