“I once thought so, but on referring to the list of books actually read at the end of the year, it was so insignificant that I now make no pretension to being what is called a reader—a few memoirs, travels, an occasional novel, and the newspapers, fill up my time completely. But now you really must take a book, or admire the country in silence, for I cannot allow my _Allgemeine Zeitung_ to remain longer unread. I have only time for one each day, and I get into a fit of despair when they accumulate.” “I think if you won’t talk to me I should like to smoke a cigar.” “A most excellent idea! Take the coachman’s place beside Herrmann, who, I am sure, will willingly drive in order to have the pleasure of your company. You can talk over your intended expedition, and boast of the quantity of grouse you would have shot had you been at home this August.” The day had already closed as they drew near the little village of Siegsdorf; lights glanced gaily from the windows of the houses, and from the small inn the sound of singing and laughter was wafted far and wide. “I don’t think we could do better than stop here for the night,” observed Baron Z—, turning abruptly to his wife. “I expected some such proposition as soon as I heard the sound of the zither,” she answered. “May I?” he asked, playing with the whip; while the horses, apparently unwilling to pass by a stable, the comforts of which they had probably experienced on a former occasion, turned of their own accord into the roughly-paved yard, and stopped at the door of the inn. The landlady made her way with some difficulty through the passage, which was crowded with peasants, to the door, where she stood to receive the travellers, her rotundity of figure placed in strong relief by the light behind her. Baron Z— merrily returned the innumerable salutations made him, as, followed by his wife and Hamilton, he led the way to a room reserved for guests of the higher classes. One table was still unoccupied, and the landlady, having with her apron swept away the crumbs of bread, and removed some empty glasses which were upon it, placed chairs, asked what they chose for supper, gave the necessary directions to a girl who was standing near her, and then, with a sort of contented sigh, seated herself on a bench at the other end of the table, evidently waiting to be spoken to. Baron Z— looked round him as if in search of some one, and then said: “Well, how goes the world with you? Are all the children well?” “All in good health, thank you.” “Where is my old friend Hauser? I miss him when he is not seated at the head of the table.” “He is out shooting to-day.” “Is there, then, a chance of my getting a shot, if I remain here to-morrow?” “Indeed I cannot promise much. They say the game is getting very scarce. I am sometimes a whole week without venison. You expected better news, I know, for I saw your rifle in the carriage.”