ill not recognise the need of exceptions, half life's worries occur."

Evidently our Chef was a philosopher, and fortunately a man of
common-sense.

Presently up came the porter. His search had been successful. The
luggage was re-registered for Portbou, and we had the satisfaction of
thanking M. le Chef for sparing us an awkward dilemma. "Monsieur," he
replied, with a finished French bow, "it is a pleasure to be of use,
and I am always at your disposition."

The train left the station and crossed the lordly Garonne. Nothing in
the way of river could look more majestic, with all the light of the sky
and all the blue of the heavens reflected on its broad surface. Once
more we were dazzled by the rich splendour of the autumn tints, glories
of colour. In the vineyards the deep purple leaves still lingered upon
the branches. White farmhouses, with their green shutters, red-tiled
roofs, strings of yellow Indian maize, heaps of pumpkins and cantaloupe
melons, stood out in striking contrast with the landscape. Many a
vine-laden porch threw its lights and shades upon walls and pavement.
Many a field was picturesque with ploughing-oxen. A hardy son of the
South guided the furrow, and a woman with red or blue handkerchief tied
round the head, followed, sowing the seed. One only wanted twilight and
the angelus bell to complete the scene's devotion.

All this we had found a year ago. Nothing was altered--it seemed as
yesterday. But now we were changing our direction, and going east
instead of westward. Last year Irun and St. Sebastian; now Gerona and
Barcelona the bright and pleasant, for ever associated with Majorca the
beautiful and beloved.

CHAPTER II.

A NARBONNE HOSTESS.

Carcassonne--In feudal times--Simon de Montfort--Canal du
Midi--L'Age d'or et le Grand Monarque--A modern Golden Fleece--One
of earth's fair scenes--Choice of evils--M. le Chef
yields--Narbonne--A woman of parts--The course of true love runs
smooth--_Diner de contrat_--Honey _versus_ the _lune de
miel_--Madame's philosophy--_L'Allee des Soupirs_--An unfinished
cathedral--At the gloaming hour--Mystery and devotion--The Hotel de
Ville--A domestic drama--High festival and champagne--The next
morning--H. C. repentant--Madame at her post--Ambrosial
breakfast--"Il faut payer pour ses plaisirs"--Dramatic
exit--Perpignan--Home of the kings of Majorca--Elne--"Adieu, ma
chere France!"--Over the