ction. "And by what name, sir,
am I to address my generous landlord?"

The double recollection of an English traveller, whom he had received
the week before at court, and of an old English rogue called Transome,
whom he had known in youth, came pertinently to the Prince's help.
"Transome," he answered, "is my name. I am an English traveller. It is,
to-day, Tuesday. On Thursday, before noon, the money shall be ready. Let
us meet, if you please, in Mittwalden, at the 'Morning Star.'"

"I am, in all things lawful, your servant to command," replied the
farmer. "An Englishman! You are a great race of travellers. And has your
lordship some experience of land?"

"I have had some interest of the kind before," returned the Prince; "not
in Gerolstein, indeed. But fortune, as you say, turns the wheel, and I
desire to be beforehand with her revolutions."

"Very right, sir, I am sure," said Mr. Killian.

They had been strolling with deliberation; but they were now drawing
near to the farmhouse, mounting by the trellised pathway to the level of
the meadow. A little before them the sound of voices had been some while
audible, and now grew louder and more distinct with every step of their
advance. Presently, when they emerged upon the top of the bank, they
beheld Fritz and Ottilia some way off; he, very black and bloodshot,
emphasising his hoarse speech with the smacking of his fist against his
palm; she, standing a little way off in blowsy, voluble distress.

"Dear me!" said Mr. Gottesheim, and made as if he would turn aside.

But Otto went straight towards the lovers, in whose dissension he
believed himself to have a share. And, indeed, as soon as he had seen
the Prince, Fritz had stood tragic, as if awaiting and defying his
approach.

"O, here you are!" he cried, as soon as they were near enough for easy
speech. "You are a man at least, and must reply. What were you after?
Why were you two skulking in the bush? God!" he broke out, turning again
upon Ottilia, "to think that I should waste my heart on you!"

"I beg your pardon," Otto cut in. "You were addressing me. In virtue of
what circumstance am I to render you an account of this young lady's
conduct? Are you her father? her brother? her husband?"

"O, sir, you know as well as I," returned the peasant. "We keep company,
she and I. I love her, and she is by way of loving me; but all shall be
above-board, I would have her to know. I have a good pride of my own."

"Why, I