e Swiss, and other foreigners. We are coming upon
troublous times, of that I am confident."

Until now I had known nothing of France, and had fancied that Frenchmen
were a light-hearted race, thoroughly contented with themselves and
their country; indeed, I even now scarcely believed what Monsieur
Planterre told me.

In less than a couple of hours we caught sight of an ancient mansion,
with a high roof, and towers at the corners, standing up amid the trees.

"There is the Chateau la Touche," said my companion. "I will not
present myself in this disguise at the front gate, but when you descend
will accompany your servant, who has not discovered who I am, and takes
me for one of his fellows."

On arriving at the gate, Monsieur Planterre, having given his horse to
Larry, went up the steps and rang the bell, and then came down and held
my steed whilst I dismounted. As soon as the door opened he led my
horse off.

La Touche, who had been advised of my arrival, hurried out to meet me,
and embraced me affectionately according to the French fashion.

"Overjoyed to see you, my dear friend," he exclaimed. "I have been long
looking for you, and am delighted that you have been induced to come. I
have been preparing various entertainments, as I wish to show you how we
Frenchmen enjoy life."

I said everything that was proper in return, when, after he had made
many inquiries as to how I had come to France, and the adventures I had
met with on my journey, he added--

"Now I must introduce you to madame _ma mere_ and my young sister. They
are prepared to receive you as a friend, and are delighted to find that
you possess the accomplishment of speaking French."

He forthwith led me into a handsome _salon_, or drawing-room, in which I
saw two ladies seated, engaged in embroidery work. They both rose as we
entered. The eldest was a stately and handsome dame, but my eyes were
naturally attracted by the younger. It was fortunate, perhaps, that
Monsieur Planterre had described her, or I do not know how I should have
behaved myself. She was in truth the most lovely little damsel I had
ever seen, fair, and of exquisite figure, with blue, laughing eyes.
They received me without any form, as if I had been an old friend, and I
at once felt myself perfectly at home. Without speaking of my
adventures at Vernon, I told them of my landing, and highly amused them
with the description of the way in which I had found my follower Lar