" * Not so, my dear countess,* replied the little
guest ; ' we have but just finished dinner.'

" ' But when do people go to bed here ? '

" * Those that retire to rest very early, go at
eleven ; otherwise, past midnight. Now, how-
ever, I must wish you good-bye ; you will find
money in abundance in that cabinet. Stores, ser-
vants, carriage and horses, aU is abeady provided.
You are a rich, noble, happy woman ! '

" After the little gentleman had departed, and
the countess was alone with her children, she
sighed heavily. Her son at last said, 'Mother,
why do you sigh? The strange gentleman says
that you are a happy woman, and you seldom
were so sad in our hut.'

" Again the mother sighed. ' Mark,' said she,
*this is a serious business. I don't feel at all
happy here, as you may suppose. I am afraid of
the grand gentlemen who cdl themselves. my ser-



THREE CHILDREN. 201

vaxits. I really think they laugh at me ; and this
I do know, that neither you, Martha, nor I, are
fitted for this place.'

" * Then let us go, mother,' said the boy ; * have
^9^e not got our hut ? '

" * Our hut, dear child ! that is the worst of it.
