live Duke Rudolphe!" and the cry was repeated with acclamations by the
whole table. Bernard Herzog makes mention of this event, but he has
neglected to inform us where this dwarf came from, whether he was of
lofty lineage or of base extraction, which latter, however, is very
improbable, for the lower sort of people have not so much sense as that."

I was astounded at so much pride in so diminutive a being, yet my
curiosity prevented me from showing too much of my feelings, for he alone
could supply me with information upon the portraits that accompanied that
of Hugh Lupus.

"Monsieur Knapwurst," I began very respectfully, "would you oblige me by
enlightening me upon certain historic doubts?"

"Speak, sir, without any constraint; on the subject of family history and
chronicles I am entirely at your service. Other matters don't interest
me."

"I desire to learn some particulars respecting the two portraits on each
side of the founder of this race."

"Aha!" cried Knapwurst with a glow of satisfaction lighting up his
hideous features; "you mean Hedwige and Huldine, the two wives of Hugh
Lupus."

And laying down his volume he descended from his ladder to speak more at
his ease. His eyes glistened, and the delight of gratified vanity beamed
from them as he displayed his vast erudition.

When he had arrived at my side he bowed to me with ceremonious gravity.