the richest in the village, each of them possessing a large farm of her own; and we might be sure of success, if we would avail ourselves of his interposition, as he was their uncle and godfather, and had a great influence on the family.
I feigned to be astonished at his sagacity, replying, in my and in the Count's name, that he had completely guessed the real state of our hearts, and that we should avail ourselves of his kind offer as soon as we perceived that the girls were favourably inclined to us; mean-while we wished to hire a small farm for some time.
We were fortunate enough to have the choice of two, and hired that which required the least labour; because neither the Count nor myself was over fond of too much exertion, but knew how to set a proper value on ease and convenience. It was, however, requisite we should act the part of farmers in the highest perfection possible; and while we exerted ourselves to the utmost of our power to do honourto
