Page:Legends of Rubezahl, and Other Tales (1845).djvu/211

 distance, and immediately after, two, and then four; these proceeded from torches borne by huntsmen, who, riding up at a gallop, expressed much joy at having found their master, whom, they said, they had been anxiously seeking. The Countess was now quite at ease, and finding herself out of danger, bethought herself of worthy John, and expressed to her new friend the uneasiness she felt on the poor fellow’s account. His Lordship immediately detached two of his huntsmen to look for the unfortunates who were missing, with orders to afford them all needful assistance. In a few minutes after, the carriage rolled under a large gateway into a spacious court-yard, and drew up before the portals of a magnificent palace, which was all lighted up. Its noble proprietor having assisted the ladies to alight, conducted them through several superb ante-rooms to a grand saloon, where they found a numerous company assembled. The young ladies were not a little disconcerted to find themselves introduced to so brilliant a circle in their travelling clothes, without having had an opportunity to make their toilet.

The preliminary civilities having been gone through, the company dispersed in various groups; some sat down to cards, others danced, others engaged in conversation. There was a great deal of talk, of course, about the recent adventure, and as is usually the case with narrations of dangers passed,