m, poor, lost wanderers--had not yet been closed. The
dogs within the enclosure, perceiving the approach of strangers, began
to bark loudly and rush about the yard; they could hear them jumping
up at the walls in vain efforts to get at the intruders. Presently the
sound of a man's voice and footsteps mingled with their barking, and in
a moment the whole establishment seemed to be on the alert.

"Stay here, all of you," said the pedant, halting at a little distance
from the gate, "and let me go forward alone to knock for admission. Our
numbers might alarm the good people of the farm, and lead them to fancy
us a band of robbers, with designs upon their rustic Penates; as I am
old, and inoffensive looking, they will not be afraid of me."

This advice was approved by all, and Blazius, going forward by himself,
knocked gently at the great gate, which was first opened cautiously just
a very little, then flung impetuously back; and then the comedians, from
their outpost in the snow, saw a most extraordinary and inexplicable
scene enacted before their astonished eyes. The pedant and the farmer
who had opened the gate, after gazing at each other a moment intently,
by the light of the lantern which the latter held up to see what manner
of man his nocturnal visitor might be, and after exchanging rapidly
a few words, that the others could not hear, accompanied by wild
gesticulations, rushed into each other's arms, and began pounding
each other heartily upon the back--mutually bestowing resounding
accolades--as is the manner upon the stage of expressing joy at meeting
a dear friend. Emboldened by this cordial reception, which yet was a
mystery to them, the rest of the troupe ventured to approach, though
slowly and timidly.

"Halloa! all of you there," cried the pedant suddenly, in a joyful
voice, "come on without fear, you will be made welcome by a friend and a
brother, a world-famed member of our profession, the darling of Thespis,
the favourite of Thalia, no less a personage than the celebrated
Bellombre--you all know his glorious record. Blessed is the happy chance
that has directed our steps hither, to the philosophic retreat where
this histrionic hero reposes tranquilly upon his laurels."

"Come in, I pray you, ladies and gentlemen," said Bellombre, advancing
to meet them, with a graceful courtesy which proved that the ci-devant
actor had not put aside his elegant, courtly manners when he donned his
peasant dress.

"Come i