it
of an April-fool by his general, in order to afford some innocent
amusement to the bridal pair. If it's not all a humbug, well and good,
more must be said about it when an opportunity occurs."

"May it not be allowed to-day," began young Stephen, blushing up to the
eyes, "to play a little on the flute?" while he was yet asking, he took
it in his hand, and Roland smilingly gave his assent. He first played a
psalm, and after they had gravely chimed in with him, the fair-haired
amateur, to please the company, gave a few worldly, airs. The swarthy
Eustace, who was now quite convalescent sprang merrily forward, and
cried: "Brother! if thou lovest me, play, to enliven me, the old dance
of the Cevennes, to which formerly, in my youth, we tripped so gaily."

The young man modestly commenced his melody, and as he received no
interruption, he continued to play with renewed vigour, and it was not
long before several, castanets were heard with their pleasing
clattering, so that Eustace could no longer, resist singing aloud, with
the most grotesque gestures, and jumping round the circle highly
delighted. The little shoemaker Anton, as well as the still younger
Francois could not withstand so enticing an invitation, they danced as
partners, and several other young people came forward to exhibit their
rustic dexterity.

An old, careworn man now came from the wood and cried: "As this is to
be a day of merriment, suffer then my son, the silly Michael, to
receive a little honor; besides, consider his small capacity for
prophecying, formerly when a shepherd in the fields, he learned several
inimitable capers, which well deserve to be seen. The tall lad has such
strong legs, that he can spring almost to the height of a man."

Michael, a robust, tall lad of an idiotic appearance, advanced
sneakingly and lazily, turning his little blue eyes timidly and
inquisitively round on the circle, and as he thought he perceived no
disapprobation any where, he suddenly changed his lagging laziness into
the most surprising activity, and jumped backwards two or three yards
high, turned head-over-heels in the air, and ran over the ground in the
same manner, and was so souple in all his motions, that it was scarcely
possible for the eyes to follow his changes. Eustace, in amazement,
clapped his hands over his head, and the young lads in admiration tried
to imitate their unattainable model. With the loud laughter, which the
comical jestures and attitu