h, with a large scarf, almost a child in years, but of a
most noble bearing, accompanied our friends. As they left the house,
they were politely saluted by several present, and it was plain that the
ante-chamber still believed in their diplomatic character.

The officer inquired whether he should accompany the gentlemen, as it
was his duty not to lose sight of them.

"Is this by way of protection or surveillance?" inquired Anton, who now
felt in good spirits.

"You will give me no occasion, I am sure, to exercise the latter,"
returned the small warrior in exquisite French.

"No," said the merchant, looking kindly at the youth; "but we shall
weary you, for we have yet to get through a good deal of uninteresting
and commonplace business this evening."

"I am only doing my duty," replied their escort, with some haughtiness,
"in accompanying you wherever you wish."

"And in order to do ours, we must make all the haste we can," said the
merchant. And so they traversed the streets of the capital. Night had
set in, and the confusion and bustle seemed sadder still under her
cloak. Crowds of the lowest of the populace, patrols of military, bands
of fugitive peasantry jostled each other, snatching, shrieking, cursing.
Many windows were illuminated, and their brilliance cast a shadowless,
ghostly glare over the streets. Thick red clouds rolled above the roofs
of the houses, for one of the suburbs was on fire, and the wind blew
swarms of golden sparks and burning splinters over the heads of the
travelers. Meanwhile the bells of the churches kept up a monotonous
tolling. The strangers hurried silently along, the imperious tones of
their escort always making way for them through the most unruly throng.
At length they reached the house of the agent of their firm. It was shut
up, and they had to knock long and loud before a window was opened, and
a piteous voice heard asking who was there.

When they entered the agent ran to meet them, wringing his hands, and
tearfully falling on the merchant's neck. The presence of the young
insurgent prevented him from expressing his feelings. He threw open the
nearest door, and in lamentable tones apologized for the exceeding
disorder in which the room was. Chests and coffers were being packed up;
male and female servants were running to and fro, hiding silver
candlesticks here, thrusting in silver spoons there. Meanwhile the
master of the house never left off wringing his hands, lamenting hi