I hoped to see
things which should fill me with new and inexpressible astonishment. How
deeply grateful do I feel to Thee, O Thou that hast vouchsafed to me to
behold the fulfilment of these my cherished dreams!

The parting from all my dear ones had this time far less bitterness; I
had found by experience, that a woman of an energetic mind can find her
way through the world as well as a man, and that good people are to be
met with every where. To this was added the reflection, that the
hardships of my present voyage would be of short duration, and that five
or six months might see me restored to my family.

I left Vienna at five o'clock on the morning of the tenth of April. As
the Danube had lately caused some devastations, on which occasion the
railroad had not entirely escaped, we rode for the first four miles, as
far as Florisdorf, in an omnibus--not the most agreeable mode of
travelling. Our omnibuses are so small and narrow, that one would
suppose they were built for the exclusive accommodation of consumptive
subjects, and not for healthy, and in some cases portly individuals,
whose bulk is further increased by a goodly assemblage of cloaks, furs,
and overcoats.

At the barriers a new difficulty arose. We delivered up our
pass-warrants (_passirscheine_) in turn, with the exception of one young
man, who was quite astounded at the demand. He had provided nothing but
his passport and testimonials, being totally unaware that a pass-warrant
is more indispensable than all the rest. In vain did he hasten into the
bureau to expostulate with the officials,--we were forced to continue our
journey without him.

We were informed that he was a student, who, at the conclusion of term,
was about to make holiday for a few weeks at his parents' house near
Prague. Alas, poor youth! he had studied so much, and yet knew so
little. He had not even an idea of the overwhelming importance of the
document in question. For this trifling omission he forfeited the fare
to Prague, which had been paid in advance.

But to proceed with my journey.

At Florisdorf a joyful surprise awaited me. I met my brother and my son,
who had, it appears, preceded me. We entered the train to proceed in
company to Stockerau, a place between twelve and thirteen miles off; but
were obliged to alight halfway, and walk a short distance. The
Embankment had given way. Luckily the weather was favourable, inasmuch
as we had only a violent storm of