attention which the
little fellow took in good part, and returned by sniffing his coat
pockets. "He trusts you," said the young lady; "he is a sagacious
beast." She then tied the bridle round his neck, told him to go home,
and turning to Anton, added, "We are going into the flower-garden, where
he must not come; and so, you see, he trots back to his stable."

"This pony is a perfect wonder," cried Anton.

"He is very fond of me; he does all I tell him," was the reply.

Anton thought that the most natural thing in the world.

"I think you are of a good family," said the little lady, decidedly,
looking at Anton with a discriminating air.

"No," replied he, sadly. "My father died last month, my dear mother a
year ago; I am alone, and on my way to the capital." His lips quivered
as he spoke.

The lady looked at him with the utmost sympathy, and in some
embarrassment. "Oh, poor, poor lad!" cried she. "But come quickly; I
have something to show you. These are the beds of early strawberries;
there are still a few. Do, pray, take them. No guest must leave my
father's house without partaking of the best each season brings. Pray,
pray eat them."

Anton looked at her with tearful eyes.

"I am going to share with you," said she, taking two strawberries. Upon
that, the youth obediently followed her example.

"And now I will take you across the garden," said she, leading him to a
little lake where old swans and young were swimming about.

"They are coming hither," cried Anton, in delight.

"They know that I have something for them," said his companion,
loosening the while the chain of a small boat. "Now, sir, jump in, and I
will row you across, for yonder lies your way."

"I can not think of troubling you."

"No opposition!" said she, imperatively, and they set off.

Anton was entranced. Behind, the rich green trees; beneath, the clear
water rippling round the prow; opposite him, the slender figure of his
companion, and the swans, her snowy subjects, following in her train--it
was a dream such as is only granted to youth.

The boat grounded; Anton leaped out, and involuntarily offered his hand,
which the little lady touched with the tips of her fingers as she wished
him good-by. He sprang up the hill and looked down. Through an opening
in the wood he saw the castle with its flag floating, and its vines and
roses shining in the sun.

"How noble! how magnificent!" said he, aloud.

"If you were to count out to that