"With all my soul," replied his friend;—"we are not circumscribed as to time, and I shall be happy to see such characters as may put one in good humour with human nature."—This point settled, on the second day after, the Count, having taken leave of his tenantry, and recommended them to the kind offices of his steward, whose integrity was beyond all doubt, and whose attachment to his interest had stood the test of time and temptation. He readily accorded with what he saw was the inclination of Ferdinand, and they took the route towards the mansion of Mr. D'Alenberg.
Their presence was equally welcome as unexpected; they were no sooner announced, than the good old gentleman hastened to meet them with a cordiality that was truly gratifying to his visitors. "You have agreeably surprised me," said he to Ferdinand, after saluting the Count.—"My wishes were stronger than my hopes, and I am pleased to find that you gave due credit to my sincerity. You have enhanced the obligation of
