308 Life of Count Rum ford. 



L was actually in her carriage at the door. My father, in 



the general way a slave to order, from imperious necessity had 

 been now faulty, not being ready at the time agreed upon 

 between him and the Princess, which was the more distressing 

 as she declined to enter. This occasioned my father great 

 bustle and confusion, so much so that, when he came to go, 

 such was his absence of mind, that, though passing near, he did 

 not seem to see and took no notice of the Countess or myself. 

 I having equipped myself to accompany the Countess, my maid 

 standing by with my packet of things, only waiting to receive 

 my father's last kind look, and to hear his last words of fare- 

 well, to have him depart in this strange manner, not having 

 the least idea of the cause, was astonishing. The Countess 

 was surprised, and I broken-hearted. Off went my bonnet, 

 declaring, if I must be miserable, it should be at home. I made 

 sure he was gone to be married, fancying I saw some white 

 round Aichner's hat (the white cockade on a servant's hat 

 denoting marriage). I recited to the Countess the old adage, 



' The mother's a mother all the days of her life; 

 The father 's a father till he gets a new wife.' 



The Countess, after reflecting some time on what I said, with 

 seeming difficulty to preserve her seriousriess, informed me that 

 at least this time my father had not gone to be married, for that 

 the Princess was a married lady, and the Prince, her husband, 

 was to be of the party. A servant was rung for to know the 

 particulars, when we were informed of what has been already 

 mentioned. ' Oh ! ' I exclaimed, l it is put off, that is all ; the 

 time will come, I shall sooner or later have it to experience.' 

 1 So long as it is not to be for the present,' replied the Countess, 

 'put on your things again, and come along. Let us see what 

 rational amusement will be found in my quarter.' I went, and 

 was as happy during the ten days of .my father's absence as 

 could be expected ; never losing sight of the idea that I was 

 among strangers, alone in the world ! 



" Our excellent friend, the Countess, in trying to render me 

 happy, did not forget the Baron, whom, after the Count Noga- 



