What occurred to the General, in that chamber, the gardener did not know. He could only repeat to me the results of his visit, which certainly were such as to justify the suspicion of the existence of some mystery; and to excite the most eager curiosity to fathom it.
The consequence of this strange tale was, that I became doubly anxious to be introduced to the Baron. But he was then at court: and, after some consideration, I remembered that my present circumstances were not such as to obtain for me a very favourable reception from one so wealthy as was the father of the lady I admired. I, therefore, resolved to continue my journey; and, with this determination, I returned to the city. I lay down to rest, with the wish to see once more, at least in my dreams, the lovely Adelaide. But my disquietude of mind banished both dreams and sleep. Innumerable were the projects that floated in my brain—my vision and its marvellous fulfilment seemed to call on me to take some step to win so fair a prize as the lovely girl I had seen, however hopeless such an undertaking might at first appear.
After forming and rejecting many rash plans, I at last resolved to introduce myself to the Baron, and to offer him my services under a feigned name.
With this purpose, I rose early; and proceeded to the Bentheim garden, to endeavour to ascertain precisely when its noble owner might be expected. After wandering about for some time, I met my former companion, the gardener.
“How fortunate, Sir,” exclaimed he, “that you are here. The Baron is returned, and you may be introduced to him now, if you wish it.”
This announcement for the moment confounded me; and, with that strange, but common perversity, which frequently induces us to shrink from an unexpected fulfilment of our desires, I at first wished to decline the proposal. But the gar-
