stance we can see what
pretty creepers adorn its trellised porch; how green the lawn, how
bright are the flowers; and see, yonder, how the blue river dotted by
white sails sparkles in the sunlight!"

"Ah, very beautiful, but I should not be surprised to find it inhabited
by some stout double-fisted Vrouw or surly old bachelor," said the
Baron.

The Count and the Baron walked on till they reached the garden, which
was separated from the road by a light paling. On more level ground it
would have been by a moat or ditch.

"Ah!" exclaimed the Count. "My dear Baron, there are two young ladies
seated among the roses, charming and graceful, instead of the old Vrouw
you predicted we should find; and there is a little girl with her doll
on the grass, and in the porch I see an elderly lady with a young boy.
What a beautiful family picture!"

"Ah! but do you not observe that elderly gentleman with spectacles,
smoking his pipe," said the Baron, as they advanced a few steps, and the
individual spoken of came into sight. "He regards us with no friendly
gaze through those spectacles of his, as if he already looked on us with
suspicion."

"We will hope that his thoughts are of a more amiable character," said
the Count. "At all events, let us approach, and show him that we are
worthy of any attentions he may be disposed to bestow on us."

"Come along, then; bashfulness is not among the list of my vices," said
the Baron. And together they advanced to the palings, when,
simultaneously taking off their hats, they each made a profound bow to
the two ladies, when the old gentleman, with spectacles on his nose and
pipe in his hand, standing near the flower basket, turned round his head
and regarded them with an inquiring glance.

"This is my friend, Count Funnibos," said the Baron; whereon the Count,
making another bow towards the old gentleman with the spectacles, said,
"And this is my friend and travelling companion, Baron Stilkin," on
which the Baron made a bow towards the old gentleman in spectacles and
another towards the young ladies seated among the roses, who gracefully
bent their heads in recognition of the compliment. The old gentleman,
not to be outdone in civility, advancing a few paces, made two polite
bows in return.

"Come, we have produced some impression," whispered the Baron to the
Count. "We must not let the grass grow under our feet. I will speak to
them. Most excellent and esteemed Mynheer," he said, "C