on that glorious ten-mile walk
to Obstalden, and dined at the inn 'Zum Hirschen.'

"You remember it--there where we tried to express ourselves
once in verse:

"The pasture-lands stretched far overhead,
And blooming pathways heavenward led,
As on the best of the land we fed
At the pleasant inn 'Zum Hirschen.'

"Above us, a sky of wondrous blue;
Below, a lake of marvellous hue;
And glad seemed life--the whole way through,
That day as we dined 'Zum Hirschen.'

"And that was how life seemed to-day, but we were wise enough
not to attempt poetry. When we got back to the village at
night, we climbed up to the castle for supper. I did so hope
to see your Mr. Davidson; unfortunately he had gone off for a
long tramp. You should hear die alte Grossmutter talk about
him; she can't begin to say flattering things enough. And
where do you think I went, Aunt Olivia? Into our old room, to
be sure--your Mr. Davidson's room now--the door was open,
and so I entered.

"Oh, the view from that window!--the snow-tipped mountain
over across the quiet lake, the little village, the castle
garden, with its terraces and bowers! I wanted you so much!

"Suddenly I had a feeling as if some one were coming, and
very gently I pushed aside the panel door, closed it behind
me, and descended in the dark--not a minute too soon, as it
proved, because, firstly, when I looked back there was a
light in the room above; and secondly, the rest of the party
had gone to the station, expecting to find me there, and I
arrived just in time to prevent us from missing the train.

"And, oh, dear Aunt Olivia, your Mr. Davidson has made some
wonderful discovery. Die alte Grossmutter couldn't resist
telling me, although she wouldn't tell me what it was; she
said he was intending to bring it, or them, to you as a
present, and he might be wishing to make it a surprise, and
it wasn't for her to go and spoil it all. Now what do you
suppose it can be? I am consumed with curiosity, and could
shed tears of envy. He doesn't know a word about the secret
stairway. Die alte Grossmutter hadn't thought to mention it.
Imagine that! So exactly like people who possess unusual
things not to appreciate them. When you build your house do
put in a secret stairway, they are so convenient. The castle
ga