ld green of the valleys, the wild fantastic
character of the mountains, the changeful skies, were all brought up to
make a picture for her admiration; and she did indeed seem to enjoy it
with the highest zest, only interrupting me in my harangue by the words,
'Je marque le Roi,' to which circumstance she directed my attention by
a sweet smile, and a gesture of her taper finger. And thus hour followed
hour; and already the grey dawn was breaking, while I was just beginning
an eloquent description of the Killeries, and the countess suddenly
looking at her watch, cried out--

'How very dreadful! only think of three o'clock!'

True enough, it was that hour; and I started up to say good-night,
shocked at myself for so far transgressing, and yet secretly flattered
that my conversational powers had made time slip by uncounted.

'And the Irish are really so clever, so gifted as you say?' said she, as
she held out her hand to wish me good-night.

'The most astonishing quickness is theirs,' replied I, half reluctant to
depart; 'nothing can equal their intelligence and shrewdness.'

'How charming! Bonsoir,' said she, and I closed the door.

What dreams were mine that night! What delightful visions of lake
scenery and Polish countesses, of mountain gorges and blue eyes, of deep
ravines and lovely forms! I thought we were sailing up Lough Corrib;
the moon was up, spangling and flecking the rippling lake; the night
was still and calm, not a sound save the cuckoo being heard to break the
silence. As I listened I started, for I thought, instead of her wonted
note, her cry was ever, 'Je marque le Roi.'

Morning came at last; but I could not awake, and endeavoured to sink
back into the pleasant realm of dreams, from which daylight disturbed
me. It was noon when at length I succeeded in awaking perfectly.

'A note for monsieur,' said a waiter, as he stood beside the bed.

I took it eagerly. It was from the countess; its contents were these:--

'My dear Sir,--A hasty summons from Count Czaroviski has
compelled me to leave Brussels without wishing you good-bye,
and thanking you for all your polite attentions. Pray accept
these hurried acknowledgments, and my regret that
circumstances do not enable me to visit Ireland, in which,
from your description, I must ever feel the deepest
interest.

'The count sends his most affectionate greetings.--Yours
ever sincerely,

'Duischka Czaro