ting the last grapes.

"Why mayn't I give you my arm?" he asked.

"Look at those other couples," she answered petulantly. "Is there
anything more out of taste than the sentimental custom of keeping step?
Either the gentleman must take little mincing steps like the lady, or
she must accommodate herself to his pace by making long strides, which
is still more ugly. And all this because they love each other! We have
not even that excuse, so let each walk as is most comfortable. You
can't lose me, for I haven't a groschen in my pocket. If I ran away
from you, I should be obliged to starve."

He laughed and said that was not the mode of death usual among
duchesses, especially when they had such black eyes; to which she
retorted that her duchy was hanging up in the closet at home; if she
sold it she could scarcely live on the proceeds a fortnight, and even
for that length of time not in a style suitable to her rank. Such were
the harmless jests with which they amused each other as they walked on;
he had never seen her in such gay spirits, and it was happiness enough
for him, after his long separation from her, to be permitted to walk
beside her and look at her every movement. It was so charming to see
her eat the grapes, and when the paper was empty bite an apple with her
little white teeth. She had removed her gloves and untied the strings
of her hat and the sunlight falling through the bare branches flickered
over her lovely face.

On reaching the first of the long row of villas, she stopped to
rearrange her dress. It was even more lonely here. Most of the houses,
on account of the early commencement of autumn, had already been
deserted; in the gardens of the pleasure resorts, the Pagoda and
others, tables and benches still stood awry, as they had remained
during the long rains, and the yellow leaves were not even brushed
away. But all this dreariness and inhospitality could not damp the
spirits of our young pair. Toinette--and especially Edwin--were
delighted to have the beautiful castle garden all to themselves.

"It's strange," said the young girl as they walked through the silent
avenues and at last paused beside the famous carp pond, where to-day
the broad heads of the fishes were scarcely visible beneath the thick
covering of yellow leaves--"I always feel happiest and gayest when
everything around is very grey and dreary. When anything was going on
in my little native city, a ball or a shooting match, or any kind