now nothing of it. In this way I proceeded, until it
was almost night, when I spied, some half a mile distant, a cluster of
trees surrounding a small tenement. I turned at once toward the spot,
and coming up to it, found a cottage not differing in size or structure
from those I had seen on the way, except that it appeared even more
antiquated. It was, however, in perfect repair, and finely shaded by a
variety of handsome trees, and flanked on one side by a neat garden. The
door stood open and I entered. There was no one in the room. I called,
but received no answer. I strayed out into the garden and walked through
it. At the lower end was a small inclosure covered over at the top as if
to protect it from the weather, and fenced on each side with open
wire-work, looking through which, I beheld a small grave, overspread
with mosses, and strewed with fresh-gathered white flowers. It bore no
name or inscription, except the following simple but pathetic line;

"Enfant cherie, avec toi mes beaux jours sont passes.--1794."

Surprised by the appearance of fresh flowers upon a tomb which had been
so long closed over its occupant, I turned, hoping to find some
explanation of the mystery, in what I might see elsewhere, But there was
nothing near to attract one's attention, nor was any person within
sight.

"After taking a glance around, I returned to the cottage, and walking
in, sat down to wait the arrival of the occupants. In a few minutes, I
heard voices from the side of the house opposite the garden, and soon
two persons, of the peasant class, evidently husband and wife, came in.
The man was strong and robust, with the erect form and martial
appearance acquired only by military service, and which the weight of
nearly sixty years had not seemed to impair. His countenance was frank
and manly, and his step firm. The woman appeared a few years younger,
while the air of happy contentment which beamed in her face, put the
ordinary encroachments of time at defiance. Altogether, I had never seen
a couple so fitted to challenge observation and interest. They both
stopped short on seeing me.

"I hastened to explain my situation, as that of a belated traveller,
attracted by the sight of the cottage; and told them I was both hungry
and tired, and desirous of the hospitality of their roof. I was made
welcome at once.

"Louis Herbois, for that was his name, gave me a bluff, soldierly
greeting, while Agathe, his wife, smiled her acq