He seemed much embarrassed, and replied in the negative; adding that a Spanish gentleman and his servant were already in possession of the only spare apartments in his house. On hearing this, the gallantry of my nation would not permit me to retain those accommodations, of which a female was in want. I instantly signified to the woodman, that I transferred my right to the lady; he made some objections; but I overruled them, and hastening to the carriage, opened the door, and assisted the lady to descend. I immediately recognized her for the same person whom I had seen at the inn at Luneville. I took an opportunity of asking one of her attendants, what was her name?

“The Baroness Lindenberg,” was the answer.

I could not but remark how different a reception our host had given these newcomers and myself. His reluctance to admit them was visibly expressed on his countenance, and he prevailed on himself with difficulty to tell the lady that she was welcome. I conducted her into the house, and placed her in the armed-chair, which I had just quitted. She thanked me very graciously; and made a thousand apologies for putting me to an inconvenience. Suddenly the woodman’s countenance cleared up.

“At last I have arranged it!” said he, interrupting her excuses; “I can lodge you and your suite, madam, and you will not be under the necessity of making this gentleman suffer for his politeness. We have two spare chambers, one for the lady, the other, Monsieur, for you: my wife shall give up hers to the two waiting-women; as for the menservants, they must content themselves with passing the night in a large barn, which stands at a few yards distance from the house. There they shall have a blazing fire, and as good a supper as we can make shift to give them.”