dearest
affections,--to him I communicate them only as a friend, but not as a
poet; for you can easily imagine how unpleasant it would be if a secret
confided to me by an honest man, relying implicitly on my friendship
and honour, were to be exposed to the public in a poem.

One word more as to the manner in which I obtained these sheets;
yesterday morning early, as soon as I was up, they were brought to me.
An extraordinary-looking man, with a long grey beard, and wearing an
old black frock-coat, with a botanical case hanging at his side and
slippers over his boots, in the damp, rainy weather, had just been
inquiring for me, and left me these papers, saying he came from Berlin.

ADELBERT VON CHAMISSO.

The Marvellous History of the Shadowless Man

CHAPTER I

After a prosperous, but to me very wearisome, voyage, we came at last
into port. Immediately on landing, I got together my few effects; and,
squeezing myself through the crowd, went into the nearest and humblest
inn which first met my gaze. On asking for a room, the waiter looked at
me from head to foot, and conducted me to one. I asked for some cold
water, and for the correct address of Mr. Thomas John, which was
described as being "by the north gate, the first country-house to the
right, a large new house of red and white marble, with many pillars."
This was enough. As the day was not far advanced, I untied my bundle,
took out my newly-turned black coat, dressed myself in my best clothes,
and, with my letter of recommendation, set out for the man who was to
assist me in the attainment of my moderate wishes.

After proceeding up North Street, I reached the gate, and saw the
marble columns glittering through the trees. Having wiped the dust from
my shoes with my pocket-handkerchief, and re-adjusted my cravat, I rang
the bell--offering up, at the same time, a silent prayer. The door flew
open; and the porter sent in my name. I had soon the honour to be
invited into the park, where Mr. John was walking with a few friends. I
recognised him at once by his corpulency and self-complacent air. He
received me very well; just as a rich man receives a poor devil; and,
turning to me, took my letter.

"Oh, from my brother! It is a long time since I heard from him, is he
well?--Yonder," he went on, turning to the company, and pointing to a
distant hill--"Yonder is the