Page:The Keepsake for 1838.djvu/217

 dener having stated that the Baron had inquired about the stranger who had visited his grounds on the previous evening, and expressed his regret that he was absent, I resolved to comply. My companion then made a sign to one of his assistants, who soon returned with the intelligence that his Lord expected me.

The Baron received me very politely. He spoke much of the new style of gardening, and listened attentively to my arguments in its favour. In the course of conversation, some allusion induced him to ask my name. In spite of all my previous preparation, I coloured deeply as I uttered the borrowed title of Ferdinand. I then told him the course of my studies, adding, that I was now in search of a situation. The Baron appeared pleased by this declaration; and, in a very kind manner, gave me to understand that he required an agent to assist him in conducting his affairs; adding, with a singular affability, and a confidence that entirely surprised me, that this office was at my service, if I chose to accept it, until some more eligible employment presented itself.

I was most grateful; and our arrangements were soon concluded; though it was so painful to me to receive a stated salary, that my hesitation on this point would, probably, have betrayed me, had not Adelaide fortunately at that moment entered the room. I looked upon her but once; and quickly agreed to the terms. What is the humiliation to which I would not have submitted for such a reward?

I thus became an inmate of her abode, and daily saw the idol of my heart, who every moment appeared to me more fascinating. The whole family was under her control; but she never abused the unlimited power which her father entrusted to her; and when she did firmly maintain her own opinion in opposition to that of others, the result invariably proved the superiority of her understanding.

I was soon thoroughly acquainted with the affairs committed