Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/17

 are heartily welcome," said he, "we have no convenience here, but you are seen with pleasure."

I made some apologies, but they were waved; the charming woman lighted the fire, another mess was soon prepared, and while the blazing flames of the hospitable hearth dried our clothes, we began a serious conversation, in the course of which I soon perceived that the knowledge and cultivation of my hosts were of a much superior kind to the humble sphere in which they then moved.

At last, I seized her hand: "pardon my indiscretion, charming woman," said I, "how came you to this hovel, how came you to quit a world that would adore you?"

—"Adore?" returned she, smiling; "how do you know, Sennor, but this is the very reason that made me quit it?"

—"Our history," interrupted Jago, "is very long, and very dismal. You are sensible, Sennor, that here is our last refuge; we have devoted part of our life to the world, but