open them for me."

"Yes, but there will be a draught; we never have guests, and therefore
the broken window-panes have been neglected, and there is no glazier
in the village."

I dismissed the good fellow, whose fidelity to his mistress was
evinced by his reticence.

When I had opened one shutter entirely so as to obtain sufficient
light, I found the room contained a large old-fashioned bedstead,
with red silk hangings; a splendid couch, the covering of which was
torn in several places and the horse-hair peeping out--then, even
worse, I found it had lost a leg; moreover, there was not a chair in
the room I dared seat myself on without the fear of coming to grief.

In the middle of the room was a marble-topped table, standing on
its three gilt bear-paws; but it was cracked in several places,
and the mosaic star in the centre had almost disappeared piece by
piece. A simple modern washstand, of grey painted wood with light
green borders, had been placed just under an oval rococo mirror,
and formed a striking contrast to these neglected antiquities.

From my window I was enjoying a view of the beautiful country of
Guelderland, and forming plans for the renovation and embellishment of
the fallen greatness around--always provided Francis consented--when
I heard the second dinner-bell, and hastened downstairs, having
been warned that the General still kept up his military habits of
punctuality.

I was very curious to see whether Francis had dressed for dinner, how
she looked, &c. But, alas! my hopes were disappointed. Her beautiful
hair was loosely confined in a silk net, which seemed scarcely capable
of sustaining its weight. She had not changed her dress, and had only
thrown over her shoulders a small faded shawl, which served to hide the
white and slender form of her neck. She perceived my disappointment; in
fact, her beautiful eyes regarded me with an air that seemed to say--

"Make up your mind that I am totally indifferent as to the impression
I may produce on you."

Otherwise she performed her part as hostess with exemplary zeal and
great ability. She served the soup, carved the meat, and even changed
the plates herself--as Fritz seemed to consider his duty done when
he had placed the things on the sideboard. To my great surprise,
the dinner was abundant and even recherche.

After the soup, which was excellent, roast beef with choice preserved
vegetables was served up--"surrogate of the primeurs," as the Gen