answered, still with that curious smile. "Nevertheless I can understand
your surprise. It sometimes happens that the mind, owing an an imperfect
adjustment of its faculties, resembles the uneducated vision in its
method of judgment, regarding the things which are near as great and
important, and those further away as less important, according to their
distance. In such a case the individuals one hears about or associates
with, come to be looked upon as the great and illustrious beings of the
world, and all men in all places are expected to be familiar with their
names. But come, my children, our sorrowful task is over, let us now
return to the house. Come with us, Smith, and you shall have the
refreshment you require."

I was, of course, pleased with the invitation, but did not relish being
addressed as "Smith," like some mere laborer or other common person
tramping about the country.

The long disconcerting scrutiny I had been subjected to had naturally
made me very uncomfortable, and caused me to drop a little behind the
others as we walked towards the house. The old man, however, still kept
at my side; but whether from motives of courtesy, or because he wished
to badger me a little more about my uncouth appearance and defective
intellect, I was not sure. I was not anxious to continue the
conversation, which had not proved very satisfactory; moreover, the
beautiful girl I have already mentioned so frequently, was now walking
just before me, hand in hand with the young man who had raised her from
the ground. I was absorbed in admiration of her graceful figure,
and--shall I be forgiven for mentioning such a detail?--her exquisitely
rounded legs under her brief and beautiful garments. To my mind the
garment was quite long enough. Every time I spoke, for my companion
still maintained the conversation and I was obliged to reply, she hung