to kitchens." Albert smiled at the idea, but, resuming his discourse, asked the woman to whom the castle belonged? "To a great Baron, (said she) but I forget his name." "And how long have you lived here?" "Many a long year, friend; we have a small matter allowed us to live upon, a good garden that gives us plenty of vegetables, for my husband, you must know, is a bit of gardener, and works in it when he is able." "And where is he now?" (said Albert) "Gone to the village six leagues off to get a little meat, bread and wine." "What! does he walk?" "Lord help him, poor soul, he walk! no, bless your heart, he rides upon our faithful little ass, and takes care never to overload her, as we don't want much meat, thank God. But where will you like to sleep? (added she;) will you go up stairs, or shall I bring some bedding in the next room?" Albert hesitated, but, ashamed to have less courage than his mistress, asked if there was any room near the lady's? "Aye, sure, (answered Bertha) close to her there is one as good as her's." "Then I will sleep there, (said he.) His good hostess now nimbly as she could, bestirred herself to put his room in order, and was very careful not to disturb the lady. Albert was soon accommodated and retired to rest.
In the evening the lady came down into the kitchen, much refreshed, and expressed her thanks to the good woman for her kindness. "Heavens bless your sweet face, (cries Bertha) I am glad to my heart you be so well. Ah! as I live, her's my Joseph and the ass." She run out into the court to acquaint her good man with what had befallen her in his absence. "As sure as you be alive, Joseph, she is some great lady under trouble, poor soul, for she does sigh so piteously; but she has given me plenty of money to get things for her, so you know it is nothing to us, if she likes to stay here, so much the better." "I hope, (said the old man) she is no bad body." "No, that she an't, I'll swear (cries Bertha;)
