for a while
in what wild' region I found myself; I narrated the way in which I
was assigned my place in this strange world, with Ober-jagers and
Unter-jagers for my friends, who mounted me and often accompanied me
in my rides; how I had seen the vast territories from hill-tops and
eminences which pertained to the great Count, boundless plains that in
summer would have been waving with yellow corn, and far-stretching woods
of oak or pine lost in the long distance; and, last of all, coming down
to the very moment I was writing, I related the incident by which I
had been promoted to the society of the castle, and how I had passed my
first evening.

My pen ran rapidly along as I told of the splendors and magnificence
of the scene, and of a company whose brilliant costume filled up the
measure of the enchantment. "They pass and repass before me, in all
their gorgeous bravery, as I write; the air vibrates with the music,
and unconsciously my foot keeps time with the measure of that _csardas_,
that spins and whirls before me till my brain reels with a mad
intoxication."

It was only when I read over what I had written, that I became aware of
the questionable taste of recording these things to one who, perhaps,
was to read them after a day of heavy toil or a sleepless night of
watching. What will she think of me, thought I, if it be thus I seem
to discharge the weighty trust confided to me? Was it to mingle in
such revelries I came here, or will she deem that these follies are the
fitting prelude to a grave and difficult negotiation? For a moment I had
half determined to throw my letter in the fire, and limit myself simply
to saying that I had arrived, and was awaiting the Count's return! but
my pride, or rather my vanity, carried the day; I could not repress
the delight I felt to be in a society I clung to by so many interesting
ties, and to show that here I was in my true element,--here breathing
the air that was native to me.

"I am not to be supposed to forget," I wrote, "that it was not for these
pleasures you sent me here, for I bear well in mind why I have come,
and what I have to do. Count Hunyadi is, however, absent, and will not
return before the end of the week, by which time I fully hope that I
shall have assured such a position here as will mainly contribute to my
ability to serve you. I pray you, therefore, to read this letter by the
light of the assurance I now give, and though I may seem to lend myself
too