There is a singular disposition in the American character to believe every well-mannered European at least a count. I do not mean that those who have seen the world are not like other persons in this respect; but a very great proportion of the country never has seen any other world than a world of "business." The credulity on this subject surpasseth belief; and, were I to relate facts of this nature that might be established in a court of justice, the very parties connected with them would be ready to swear that they are caricatures. Now, well-mannered I trust I am, and, though plainly dressed and thoroughly disguised, neither my air nor attire was absolutely mean. As my clothes were new, I was neat in my appearance; and there were possibly some incongruities about the last, that might have struck eyes more penetrating than those of my companions. I could see that both father and daughter felt a lively interest in me, the instant I gave them reason to believe I was one of better fortunes. So many crude notions exist among us on the subject of convulsions and revolutions in Europe, that I dare say, had I told any improbable tale of the political condition of Prussia, it would have gone down; for nothing so much resembles the ignorance that prevails in America, generally, concerning the true state of things in Europe, as the ignorance that prevails in Europe, generally, concerning the true state of things in America. As for Mary, her soft eyes seemed to me to be imbued with thrice their customary gentleness and compassion, as she recoiled a step in native modesty, and gazed at me, when I had made my revelation. "If such is the case, my young friend," returned the clergyman, with benevolent interest, "you ought, and _might_ easily be placed in a better position than this you are now in. Have you any knowledge of Greek?" "Certainly--Greek is moch study in Charmany." 'In for a penny, in for a pound,' I thought. "And the modern languages--do you understand any of them?" "I speaks de five great tongues of Europe, more ast less well; and I read dem all, easily." "The _five_ tongues!" said the clergyman, counting on his fingers; "what can they be, Mary?" "French, and German, and Spanish, and Italian, I suppose, sir." "These make but four. What can be the fifth, my dear?" "De yoong laty forgets de Englisch. De Englisch is das funf." "Oh! yes, the English!" exclaimed the pretty creature, pressing her lips together to prevent laughing in my face. "True--I had forgotten the English, not being accustomed to think of it as a mere European tongue. I suppose, young man, you naturally speak the English less fluently than any other of your five languages?" "Ya!" Again the smile struggled to the lips of Mary. "I feel a deep interest in you as a stranger, and am sorry we have only met to part so soon. Which way shall you be likely to direct your steps, my Prussian young friend?"