and surrounded by trees, I was introduced to his two grand-daughters, also a lady friend of theirs, one Fudelora, a tall blonde, with deep blue eyes and flaxen hair; but what impressed me most was her clear metallic voice, whose accents fell agreeably on the ear. As soon as I saw her and our eyes met, I knew that she would prove an attractable companion. I felt that with her the moments would indeed be possessed of speedy wings. The young ladies accompanied me through the grounds and along the banks of the great lake. Here we spent a happy time till the dining hour approached, when we returned to Zallazélma, as the residence was called.
Again I met many strangers of both sexes, to whom I was introduced, and when I entered the dining hall, I found that there was a large assemblage. I sat next to Golonzola, who in the meantime told me that he was one hundred and ninety years of age, and that he had been governor for a longer period than any man living. His wife was dead, and many of his grandchildren were grown up.
After the meal was over, we went to the ballroom, where dancing was kept up for some time. However, I did not remain there long, and after a
