and led by the melody he heard, he descended
cautiously the little hill, like a king's son in search of the enchanted
princess. The palace he found in the middle of the path, in the shape of
the high back wall of a dwelling, fronting on another road. One of the
upper windows on this side, however, was open; a bright light streamed
from it, and thence he doubted not the sweet sounds came.

To an accompaniment of the piano and stringed instruments rose a fresh,
flexible woman's voice, chanting the mystic words of the master with such
expression and power as would have given even him delight. Camors,
himself a musician, was capable of appreciating the masterly execution of
the piece; and was so much struck by it that he felt an irresistible
desire to see the performers, especially the singer. With this impulse he
climbed the little hedge bordering the road, placed himself on the top,
and found himself several feet above the level of the lighted window. He
did not hesitate to use his skill as a gymnast to raise himself to one of
the branches of an old oak stretching across the lawn; but during the
ascent he could not disguise from himself that his was scarcely a
dignified position for the future deputy of the district. He almost
laughed aloud at the idea of being surprised in this position by the
terrible Des Rameures, or his niece.

He established himself on a large, leafy branch, directly in front of the
interesting window; and notwithstanding that he was at a respectful
distance, his glance could readily penetrate into the chamber where the
concert was taking place. A dozen persons, as he judged, were there
assembled; several women, of different ages, were seated at a table
working; a young man appeared to be drawing; while other persons lounged
on comfortable seats around the room. Around the piano was a group which
chiefly attracted the attention of the young Count. At the instrument was
seated a grave young girl of about twelve years; immediately behind her
stood an old man, remarkable for his great height, his head bald, with a
crown of white hair, and his bushy black eyebrows. He played the violin
with priestly dignity. Seated near him was a man of about fifty, in the
dress of an ecclesiastic, and wearing a huge pair of silver-rimmed
spectacles, who played the violincello with great apparent gusto.

Between them stood the singer. She was a pale brunette, slight and
graceful, and apparently not more than twenty-five