pes hang from the stems, see, it is then the old ruins stand
forth. These are the gardens of the Rhine! Another advantage which you
have in going there in autumn is that you then enter Paris in winter,
and that one must do; then one does not come post festum; then is the
heyday of gayety--the theatre, the soirees, and everything which can
interest the beau monde."

Although Otto did not generally consider the cousin's words of much
weight, he this time entered wonderfully into his views. "It would
certainly be the most prudent to commence their journey toward autumn,"
he thought: "there could be no harm in preparing themselves a little
more for it!"

"That is always good!" said Joachim; "but, what is far more advantageous
abroad than all the preparations you can make at home, is said in a few
words--give up all intercourse with your own country-people! Nowadays
every one travels! Paris is not now further from us than Hamburg was
some thirty years ago. When I was in Paris I found there sixteen or
seventeen of my countrymen. O, how they kept together! Eleven of
them dwelt in the same hotel: they drank coffee together, walked out
together, went to the restaurateur's together, and took together half a
bench in the theatre. That is the most foolish thing a person can do!
I consider travelling useful for every one, from the prince to the
travelling journeyman. But we allow too many people to travel! We are
not rich, therefore restrictions should be made. The creative artist,
the poet, the engineer, and the physician must travel; but God knows why
theologians should go forth. They can become mad enough at home!
They come into Catholic countries, and then there is an end of them!
Wherefore should book-worms go forth? They shut themselves up in the
diligence and in their chambers, rummage a little in the libraries, but
not so much as a pinch of snuff do they do us any good when they return!
Those who cost the most generally are of the least use, and bring the
country the least honor! I, thank God! paid for my journey myself, and
am therefore free to speak my opinion!"

We will now hear what Miss Sophie said, and therefore advance a few
days.

"We keep you then with us till August!" said she, once when she was
alone with Otto. "That is wise! You can spend some time with us in
Funen, and gather strength for your journey. Yes, the journey will do
you good!"

"I hope so!" answered Otto. "I am perhaps able to become as interest