uiescence. Supper was
soon laid; I ate with a sharpened appetite, which evidently charmed my
host, who encouraged me at intervals, as I began to flag.

"Supper concluded, I was glad to accept the offer of a bed--for I was
exhausted with fatigue.

"I had been so engrossed with the repast, that curiosity was for the
time suspended, and it was not again in action until I had said
good-night to my entertainers, and found myself in the room where I was
to sleep. This was an apartment of moderate size; the furniture was old
and common, but neither dilapidated nor out of order; the bed was neatly
covered; around the room were scattered several books of interest, and
in one corner was a neat writing-desk, of antiquated appearance, with
silver mounting, and handsomely inlaid; while some small articles of
considerable value placed on a table in another corner, indicated at
least occasional denizens very different from the peasant and his wife.
Yet this could not be a rural resort for any family belonging to the
town. There were but two other apartments in the house, and these were
occupied. Nevertheless, I reasoned, these things can never have been
brought here by the worthy people I have seen; and then--the little
grave in the garden? who has watched the tomb for so many years,
preserving the moss so green and the flowers so fresh--cherishing an
affection which has triumphed over time? How intense, how sacred, how
strange must be such devotion! I decided that some persons besides my
host were concerned, in some way, in the history of the little dwelling,
and with this conclusion I retired; and so, being fatigued by my day's
travel, I soon fell asleep.

"I awoke about sunrise. Going to the window, I put aside the curtain,
and looked out into the garden. Louis Herbois and his wife were there,
renewing the garlands with fresh flowers, and watering the moss which
was spread over the grave. It must be their own child, thought I, and
yet--no--I will step out and ask them, and put an end to the mystery. I
met the good people coming in: they inquired if I had rested well, and
said that breakfast would soon be ready. 'You do not forget your little
one,' I said to the old fellow, at the same time pointing towards the
inclosure. 'Monsieur mistakes,' replied he, crossing himself devoutly.
'Some dear friend, I suppose?' He looked at me earnestly: '_On voit
bien, Monsieur, que vous etes un homme comme il faut._ After you have
breakfasted,