ng so.
They tell of a time when our hearts were yet uncorrupted, our ambitions
were noble, and our aspirations generous. They remind us of a period
when the episodes of life rarely outlived the day, and our griefs never
endured through half the night. And so comes it that when, in after
years, we are tired and careworn by the world, it is not to our
experience of mankind we look for support and comfort, but to the time
when, in happy innocence, we wandered all alone, peopling space with
images of kindness and goodness, and making for ourselves an ideal
world, so much better than the real one!

It was sunset. The "Angelus" was ringing as I entered Reichenau, and
the postilion--a mountaineer--reverently descended from the saddle, and
knelt upon the roadside in silent prayer. How long was it since I had
witnessed even so much of devotion! The world in which I had mixed
had its occupations of intrigue and plot, its schemes of greatness and
wealth and power, but no space for thoughts like those of this poor
peasant. Alas! and was I not myself corrupted by their contact? That
penitent attitude--that prayerful look--those clasped hands--were now
all objects of astonishment to me, when once I had deemed them the fit
accompaniment of the hour. Too truly was I changed from what I had been!

Night was falling fast as we reached the bridge, and a light twinkled
in the little window which had once been the Herr Robert's. A little
further on, I saw the chateau and the terrace; then came the tower of
the old church; and as we turned into the Platz, I beheld the arched
gateway, and the small diamond-paned window of the little inn. How sadly
did they all remind me of my solitary existence! for here, in the midst
of every object of my childish memory, was I, friendless and alone.
A little crowd gathered around the carriage as I got out. The staring
rustics little thought that he who then descended had been, perhaps,
their playfellow and companion. The postilion had styled me an
"Excellency," and the landlord received me with all his deference.

I pretended that I should stay a day or two, in expectation of a
friend's arrival, and ordered the best rooms in the house; and, as was
not unusual in those days, begged the favor of my host's company
at supper. The invitation was gladly accepted, and Herr Kirschler
entertained me till past midnight with an account of Reichenau and its
inhabitants. I affected to know the village as a mere travel