Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/122

 "Cousin," said he, "we will do as we can, and try, above all, not to risk another question on account of this accursed castle: otherwise it would be possible to tell us things a thousand times more discouraging; Now then," continued he, addressing himself to Franz, "can you not put in order another room for us?"

"Your desires, sir, have been anticipated," replied the old servant, quickly: and, walking before us to point out the way, he conducted us by a little narrow stairway into a long gallery, where the light of a single torch lent to the least objects fantastic forms. At the end of this gallery, which turned about in various directions, forming multiplied angles, he led us through several damp and unfurnished rooms; then opening a door, he introduced us into a chamber where there was an ample fire crackling on the hearth. This joyous sight put me in a good humor; but my great uncle stopped in the middle of the room, and, throwing around him a look agitated with some inquietude, said in a solemn and moving tone,

"Is this, then, the place that is to serve hereafter for receptions?"

Franz took several steps towards the other end of the room, and, by the light of the flambeau which he carried, I perceived on the wall a high and broad white spot which represented the dimensions of a walled-up door. In the meantime, Franz hastened to prepare all that was necessary for us. The table was diligently spread, and, after a comfortable supper, my great uncle set about brewing a bowl of punch, the contents of which was to procure for us with its last drops the reward of a long and peaceable slumber. When his service was no longer needed, Franz discreetly quitted us. Two wax candles and the expiring fire on the hearth, made the gothic ornaments of the room in which we were, dance about in a thousand capricious fashions. Paintings representing hunting and warlike scenes were suspended on the walls, and the vacillating fire seemed to cause the personages in these paintings to move. I remarked family portraits, the size of life, and which