noticing any of the
objects around me. I will see the count, and take leave of him, thought
I suddenly; I cannot be his guest without sacrificing feeling in a dozen
ways.

'At what hour does monsieur rise?' asked I of the obsequious valet who
waited behind my chair.

'Usually at three or four in the afternoon, sir; but to-day he has
desired me to make his excuses to you. There will be a consultation of
doctors here; and the likelihood is, that he may not leave his chamber.'

'Will you convey my respectful compliments, then, to him, and my regrets
that I had not seen him before leaving the chateau?'

'The count charged me, sir, to entreat your remaining here till he had
seen you. He said you had done him infinite service already; and indeed
it is long since he has passed a night in such tranquillity.'

There are few slight circumstances which impress a stranger more
favourably than any semblance of devotion on the part of a servant
to his master. The friendship of those above one in life is easier to
acquire than the attachment of those beneath. Love is a plant whose
tendrils strive ever upwards. I could not help feeling struck at
the man's manner as he spoke these few words; and insensibly my mind
reverted to the master who had inspired such sentiments.

'My master gave orders, sir,' continued he, 'that we should do
everything possible to contribute to your wishes; that the carriage,
or, if you prefer them, saddle-horses, should be ready at any hour you
ordered. The wood has a variety of beautiful excursions; there is a
lake, too, about two leagues away; and the ruins of Monterraye are also
worth seeing.'

'If I had not engagements in Paris,' muttered I, while I affected to
mumble over the conclusion of the sentence to myself.

'Monsieur has seldom done a greater kindness than this will be,' added
he respectfully; 'but if monsieur's business could be deferred for a day
or two, without inconvenience-----'

'Perhaps that might be managed,' said I, starting up, and walking to the
window, when, for the first time, the glorious prospect revealed itself
before me. How delicious, after all, would be a few hours of such a
retreat!--a morning loitered away in that beautiful garden, and then
a long ramble through the dark wood till sunset. Oh, if Laura were but
here! if she could be my companion along those leafy alleys! If not
with, I can at least think of her, thought I--seek out spots she
would love to linger in, a