out
of yonder window at the end of the gallery. Will you, ma belle, take
monsieur to see the view outside by the moonlight (you may possibly see
the phantom-child); and leave me to a little _tete-a-tete_ with your
husband?"

With a gentle movement the lady with the roses complied with the other's
request, and we went to a great window, looking down on the forest, in
which I had lost my way. The tops of the far-spreading and leafy trees
lay motionless beneath us in that pale, wan light, which shows objects
almost as distinct in form, though not in colour, as by day. We looked
down on the countless avenues, which seemed to converge from all quarters
to the great old castle; and suddenly across one, quite near to us,
there passed the figure of a little girl, with the "capuchon" on, that
takes the place of a peasant girl's bonnet in France. She had a basket
on one arm, and by her, on the side to which her head was turned, there
went a wolf. I could almost have said it was licking her hand, as if in
penitent love, if either penitence or love had ever been a quality of
wolves,--but though not of living, perhaps it may be of phantom wolves.

"There, we have seen her!" exclaimed my beautiful companion. "Though so
long dead, her simple story of household goodness and trustful simplicity
still lingers in the hearts of all who have ever heard of her; and the
country-people about here say that seeing that phantom-child on this
anniversary brings good luck for the year. Let us hope that we shall
share in the traditionary good fortune. Ah! here is Madame de Retz--she
retains the name of her first husband, you know, as he was of higher
rank than the present." We were joined by our hostess.

"If monsieur is fond of the beauties of nature and art," said she,
perceiving that I had been looking at the view from the great window,
"he will perhaps take pleasure in seeing the picture." Here she sighed,
with a little affectation of grief. "You know the picture I allude to,"
addressing my companion, who bowed assent, and smiled a little
maliciously, as I followed the lead of madame.

I went after her to the other end of the saloon, noting by the way with
what keen curiosity she caught up what was passing either in word or
action on each side of her. When we stood opposite to the end wall, I
perceived a full-length picture of a handsome, peculiar-looking man,
with--in spite of his good looks--a very fierce and scowling expression.
My hostes