wager a cigar with you that I 'll join that little knot
of sober Belgians yonder, and by the magic of a few words of genuine
Brussels French, I'll pass muster as a Boss.'

The countess laughed heartily at the thought, and I joined in her mirth
most readily.

'I take the wager,' cried I--'and hope sincerely to lose it.'

'Done!' said he, springing up and putting on his hat, while he made a
short circuit in the garden, and soon afterwards appeared at the table
with the Flemings, asking permission, as it seemed, to light a cigar
from a lantern attached to the tree under which they sat.

If we were to judge from the merriment of the little group, his success
was perfect, and we soon saw him seated amongst them, busily occupied
in concocting a bowl of flaming _ponche_, of which it was clear by his
manner he had invited the party to partake.

'Now Gustav is in his delight,' said the countess, in a tone of almost
pique; 'he is a strange creature, and never satisfied if not doing
something other people never think of. In half an hour he'll be back
here, with the whole history of Mynheer van Houdendrochen and his
wife and their fourteen "mannikins"; all their little absurdities and
prejudices he 'll catch up, and for a week to come we shall hear nothing
but Flemish French, and the habitudes of the Montagne de la Cour.'

For a few seconds I was vastly uncomfortable; a thought glanced across
me, what if it were for some absurd feature in me, in my manner or my
conversation, that he had deigned to make my acquaintance. Then came
the recollection of his generous proposal, and I saw at once that I was
putting a somewhat high price on my originality, if I valued it at five
thousand francs.

'What ails you?' said the countess, in a low, soft voice, as she lifted
her eyes and let them fall upon me with a most bewitching expression
of interest. 'I fear you are ill, or in low spirits.' I endeavoured to
rally and reply, when she went on--

'We must see you oftener. Gustav is so pleasant and so gay, he will be
of great use to you. When he really takes a liking, he is delightful;
and he has in your case, I assure you.'

I knew not what to say, nor how to look my gratitude for such a speech,
and could only accomplish some few and broken words of thanks.

'Besides, you are about to be a traveller,' continued she; 'and who can
give you such valuable information of every country and people as the
count? Do you intend to make a long a