was infected by the modern ideas, which are unfortunately
beginning to make way among us, and which will infallibly end in
overthrowing the whole existing fabric of society.

"Good-bye, then, for the present," said a lady's voice close behind him.

"Good-bye for the present, my dear," answered a deep, masculine voice.

Cousin Hans turned slowly, for it was a warm day. He discovered a
military-looking old man in a close-buttoned black coat, with an order
at his buttonhole, a neck-cloth twisted an incredible number of times
around his throat, a well-brushed hat, and light trousers. The gentleman
nodded to a young lady, who went off towards the town, and then
continued his walk along the ramparts.

Weary of waiting as he was, Cousin Hans could not help following the
young girl with his eyes as she hastened away. She was small and trim,
and he observed with interest that she was one of the few women who do
not make a little inward turn with the left foot as they lift it from
the ground.

This was a great merit in the young man's eyes; for Cousin Hans was one
of those sensitive, observant natures who are alone fitted really to
appreciate a woman at her full value.

After a few steps the lady turned, no doubt in order to nod once again
to the old officer; but by the merest chance her eyes met those of
Cousin Hans.

At last occurred what he had so long been expecting: he felt the bite!
His blood rushed about just in the proper way, he lost his breath, his
head became hot, a cold shiver ran down his back, and he grew moist
between the fingers. In short, all the symptoms supervened which,
according to the testimony of poets and experienced prose-writers,
betoken real, true, genuine love.

There was, indeed, no time to be lost. He hastily snatched up his
gloves, his stick, and his student's cap, which he had laid upon the
bench, and set off after the lady across the esplanade and towards the
town.

In the great, corrupt communities abroad this sort of thing is not
allowable. There the conditions of life are so impure that a well-bred
young man would never think of following a reputable woman. And the few
reputable women there are in those nations, would be much discomposed to
find themselves followed.

But in our pure and moral atmosphere we can, fortunately, permit our
young people somewhat greater latitude, just on account of the strict
propriety of our habits.

Cousin Hans, therefore, did not hesitate a moment i