318 Life of Count Rumford. 



on him. I, very naturally, was not one of the least curious to 

 a point, I must say it in justice to myself. I quite forgot my- 

 self, forgot I had a part of no little importance, that of being 

 the ostensible mistress of the house. But I thought nothing of 

 it. My father behaved charmingly. After the first surprise, 

 which was great, he went about bowing and smiling, showing 

 his white teeth, of which he was very proud, thanking people for 

 the trouble, as he termed it, of coming to see him. 



" The music was not spared, several fine pieces were per- 

 formed, but we all of us had something to do. The Countess 

 had a simple song enabling her little children with their juvenile 

 voices and talents to join her, having a pretty effect, as likewise 

 a piece of music of a superior quality on the piano, (she being a 

 fine musician,) accompanied by the other musicians. I had a 

 letter of compliment in Italian to present my father, he not 

 knowing me so far advanced in the language. The poorhouse 

 children presented written expressions of their gratitude and 

 respect. The little Miss Sophy Baumgarten, above mentioned, 

 had a more dignified part to act than any of us, being signalized 

 out by my father (while the Countess, her children, and myself, 

 were barely noticed) as the object of great attention. So pointed 

 was it as to attract the notice of all present. At all events, 

 such undoubtedly was the intent ; for if it was to cross the 

 room this child was led by the hand, and, if seated, placed by 

 his side. 



" Contemplating some time this singular sight, I applied to 

 'the Countess to know what it meant. She, not giving me a 

 positive answer, smiling, said I was to take notice that her 

 sister, the Countess of Baumgarten, was not present ; which, in 

 the crowd, I had not before observed. This adding still to the 

 mystery in which before the matter was enveloped, I returned 

 with eagerness to my business of watching, and in consequence 

 of it the truth was revealed to me, either by my good or bad 

 genius, I think it was the latter, as I had better not have 

 known it. The striking resemblance that existed between my 

 father and the said Sophy put it beyond a doubt that I was no 

 longer to consider myself an only child, which was the case 



