Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 5.djvu/58

40 bad luck. . > . It is obvious enough. Nevertheless, ... in spite of myself, her words have affected me. I am almost frightened by them. . . . You have cause to laugh. . . . The truth is that I intended to go and ask for dinner at the Castle of Dowghielly, and now I hesitate. ... I am a great fool. Come, Professor, you decide it. Shall we go? "

" In questions of marriage I never give advice," I said laughingly. " I take good care not to have an opinion.

We had come back to our horses.

" The horse shall choose for me," cried the Count, as he vaulted into the saddle and let the bridle lie slack.

The horse did not hesitate; he immediately entered a little footpath, which, after several turnings, descended into a metalled road which led to Dowghielly. Half an hour after we reached the Castle steps.

At the sound of our horses a pretty, fair head appeared at a window, framed between two curtains. I recognised the translator of Miçkiewicz, who had taken me in.

" You are welcome," she said. " You could not have come more apropos, Count Szémioth. A dress from Paris has just arrived for me. I shall be lovely past recognition."