t somehow or other an interest would attach to me to which I can lay
no claim. Neither Madame von Geysiger, nor any belonging to her, could
have known my parents. Their walk in life was of the very humblest."

"I have not said she did, my dear friend," said he, soothingly, "nor
is it exactly generous to be so suspectful of one whose only feeling
towards you is that of kindness and good will. Once for all, if you
desire it, I will allude no further to this subject here or elsewhere."

"On that condition I will accompany you," said I.

He pressed my hand as if in recognition of the compact, and we entered
the house.

There were not above half-a-dozen carriages at the door; but still I
could perceive, as we passed through the salons, that a very numerous
company was assembled. It was exactly what the Count said,--a rendezvous
where all came to wind up the evening; and here were some in all the
blaze of diamonds, and in the splendor of full dress; others less
magnificently attired, and some again in their walking costume. The
suite of rooms then open were not the state ones in use for great
occasions, but a ground floor, opening by several doors upon a handsome
pleasure ground, that blending of copse and "bosquet," of terrace and
shady alley, which foreigners call an English garden.

Here and there through this, many of the Company lounged and loitered,
enjoying the cool of a summer night in preference to the heated and
crowded rooms within. We were not long in search of our hostess when
she came towards us,--a large, full, but still handsome person,
magnificently attired, and with somewhat of what I, at least, fancied
the assured air and bearing of the stage.

To the Count she was most cordial; while to me her manner was courteous
in the extreme. She regretted that we had not come earlier, and
mentioned the names of some one or two distinguished visitors who had
just left. After some little conversation on commonplace matters,
I joined a party at ombre, a game of which I was fond, and where,
fortunately, I found the players satisfied to contend for stakes humble
enough for my means. The Count had, meanwhile, given his arm to the
hostess, and was making a tour of the company. He appeared to have
acquaintance with every one. Indeed, with most it was an easy intimacy;
and all saluted him as one they were glad to welcome. I watched him with
considerable curiosity, for I own the man was a puzzle to me. At times
I half per