"No; but like my father, who, during the night preceding his death, was warned by his father that he was about to die, so I presume my brother and I inherit the privilege of our ancestors, not having done anything to forfeit it." "And is this privilege accorded to the males of the family only?" "Yes." "That is strange." "It is as I say." I looked at the young man as he was speaking to me. He was cool, calm, and grave, and I could not help repeating with Hamlet-- "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." In Paris I should have thought that this young man was hoaxing me; but here in Corsica, in a little unknown village, one must look upon him either as a foolish person endeavouring to deceive one for his own purposes, or as a privileged being amongst other men. "And now," he said, after a long silence, "are you satisfied?" "Yes, thank you," I answered. "I appreciate your confidence, and will promise to keep your secret." "Oh, goodness," he said, laughing, "there is no secret in the matter--the first peasant you meet would tell you all I have told you; I only hope that in Paris my brother has not boasted of this privilege, which would only cause men to laugh, and would frighten the ladies." So saying, he bade me good-night, and retired to his room. Although fatigued, I was not able to sleep for some time, and when I did at last sleep I was restless. I appeared to see in a confused manner in my dreams all the people with whom I had come in contact that day. It was only when day broke that I fell into a sound sleep, and was awakened by the striking of a clock, close to my bed, apparently. I rang the bell, without rising, for my lazy predecessor had provided a bell-rope close at hand, the only one probably in the village. Griffo immediately appeared, carrying some warm water; I saw that this valet had been well drilled. Lucien, he said, had twice inquired whether I was awake, and had told him that if I did not ring before half-past nine he would call me. It was now twenty-five minutes past nine, so it would not be long before he came. He soon made his appearance, dressed very elegantly in French style, with a black frock coat and white trowsers. He noticed that I looked at him with some surprise. "I hope you are admiring my dress," he said; "another proof that I am becoming civilized." "Yes, indeed," I replied, "and I confess I am considerably astonished to find that you possess such a tailor in Ajaccio. I shall look quite the country bumpkin beside you."