Well," she exclaimed, "I was a little confused and did not remember
that Americans spoke English, but let me present you to my mother and
the gentlemen."

Paul was then introduced to an Austrian officer and a count who with her
mother were occupants of the box. Little attention was paid to the
play going on by Paul, who kept up a running conversation in English
mixed with French, with the charming girl at his side, but wily
diplomat that he was, he got in an occasional remark to her mother in
German. At the close of the performance, Paul offered his arm to the
young lady, while the Austrian officer took the mother in tow. The
other gentlemen in the party took the lead at the door. They walked
leisurely home through the narrow streets and the officer who was
escorting the mother clinked the scabbard of his long sword in a savage
manner on the cobble stones. Before they parted at the door of her home,
Paul had asked for and obtained permission to call the next day. He
then turned away accompanied by the officer and walked in the
direction of his hotel. The officer asked him how long he intended to
remain in Buda Pesth. Paul did not give him very much satisfaction as
he was running free at the time and had no course mapped out. On
arriving at the hotel, the Captain invited the officer to take some
refreshments. While seated at the table, the latter introduced the
subject of dueling and asked Paul questions in regard to the code in
America. Paul easily seeing the drift of his thoughts, entertained him
with accounts of hair-raising combats with bowie knives, revolvers,
shot guns and cannons, assuring him they were of frequent occurrence in
the part of the States where he came from. He told the officer that he
did not know one of his friends who would not rather participate in a
duel than be invited to a banquet. When the warrior parted from
Paul he was stuffed fell of harrowing yarns, all of which he seemed to
believe, at least his demeanor was much more gentle than when he had
entered the hotel. Paul remained in Buda Pesth two weeks longer than he
expected, during which time he was a frequent visitor at the home of
the fair Irene, where he was always welcomed by herself and parents.
Then followed a trip through the principal cities of Hungary.

He then went to Italy where on the 4th of November, 1876, he started on
a long voyage down the Po from Turin to the Adriatic, a distanc