36 THE MAN WHO SOLD HIS SHADOW. 



Standing — without, however, leaving his friends — and took the letter 

 which I presented from my hand. 



" ' Ah, ah ! from my brother !' said he ; ' it is a long time since I 

 had any news from hhn; is he very well ?' and without attending to 

 my response — ' there,' said he, turning to those who accompanied 

 him, pointing with my letter to a hill in the distance — * there is the 

 place where I intend to make a new erection.' At length he broke 

 the seal, and proceeded to read the letter I had given him, making 

 occasional remarks as he passed over its contents. When he came 

 to the part setting forth my need — ' Ah !' said he, ' this is only one 

 of the million of poor beggars, I suppose.' * Yes,' said I ; ' 'tis true.' 



" * My dear fellow, said he, laughing, * stay here awhile ; I shall 

 perhaps have time soon to attend to you, and talk over the contents 

 of this letter.' Upon this he offered his arm to a lady ; the other 

 persons followed, and they began to ascend a hill which was covered 

 with roses. They were all dressed very gaily, and appeared much 

 amused. I walked after them, but they took no notice of me. 

 On arriving at the top of the hill, a young lady, in attempting to 

 break a branch off a tree, wounded her fingers ; this accident directed 

 the attention of the others towards her, and appeared somewhat to 

 disconcert the party. A man — tall and thin, who walked near to me, 

 and who had for some time sm-veyed me attentively — put his hand 

 into the pocket cf his gi'ey surtout, and took out a small pocket- 

 book, containing adhesive plaster, which he presented to the young 

 lady without speaking, who accepted it, but, as I remarked, without 

 offering the least thanks, 



" The country around was very pleasant, and a remarkably fine 

 landscape presented itself to our view ; the horizon also wore a most 

 beautiful aspect — so that I quite enjoyed the scene which was spread 

 out before me. 



" ' A telescope !' cried Mr. Johns ; and before the servants had 

 time to move, the man in the grey surtout put his hand into his 

 pocket and brought out one of immense sifee, which he handed to 

 Mr. Johns with a modest salute. The instrument passed from hand 

 to hand ; for my part I looked on with astonishment, and I could 

 not for my life comj^rehend how so large an instrument could be 

 stowed away in so small a space ; but I was the only one of the 

 party who appeared to experience this surprise, for they took no 

 more notice of the man than of me. 



