an occasional excursion in a foreign country, and thus to enlarge the
sphere of my usefulness, by promoting the cause of humanity in the
various localities I visit. It is thus that I have recently passed
through Andalucia, and have recommended, and, I doubt not, successfully,
to the principal personages possessed of influence in its numerous
cities, the establishment of all sorts of useful institutions. I am now
in Toledo, animated with the same zeal. I have obtained an introduction
to you, Sir, understanding that you are an individual possessed of
considerable influence, and enjoying unbounded means of carrying out
the projects, which, I doubt not, you will agree with me in considering
essential to the well being and improvement, both moral and material, of
your ancient locality."

During this exordium, the Spaniard, who happens to be possessed of a
vivacity, unusual in his countrymen, and a sort of impatience of manner,
had endeavoured more than once to obtain a hearing. At length he
replied, that he feared it would not be in his power to carry out the
views which Monsieur did him the honour to communicate to him, owing to
the absence of sufficient resources at his disposal, whether for public
purposes, or in his individual and private capacity.

The Frenchman was not, however, to be so easily discouraged. "This,
Sir," he replied, "is the result of your modesty; but I am persuaded
that I have only to make my objects understood, in order to obtain their
complete execution. For instance, one of the most insignificant in
expense, but of infinite utility, is this: it would be a source of much
gratification to me, if you would have the most conspicuous spots
throughout Toledo ornamented with statues, representing, with greater or
less resemblance, all the personages, distinguished from various causes
in the history of Spain, to whom Toledo has given birth. These works I
should wish to be entrusted to artists of acknowledged talent, and"--he
was proceeding with constantly increasing rapidity of enunciation, when
the exhausted librarian's patience being at an end, he interrupted the
torrent. "However grateful the city of Toledo and myself must be for
your interest and advice, I am grieved to repeat that my anxiety to
comply with your wishes is totally powerless. We are without funds; and
I, for my own part, can assure you that I am _sans le sou_. Do me the
favour to name any service of a less expensive nature, and I shall
r