CHAPTER III.
The following morning, after a very satisfactory breakfast, the gentlemen took leave of their amiable hostess, Bernat bacsi lingering behind the rest to whisper significantly: "I will not say farewell, Katinka hugom, for I am coming back to tell you all about it." Then he took his place in the extra post-chaise, and bade the postilion drive directly to the neighboring castle.

The Nameless Castle was built on a narrow tongue of land that extended into Lake Neusiedl.

The road to the castle gate ran along a sort of causeway, which was protected from the water by a strong bulwark composed of fascines, and a row of willows with knotty crowns.

A drawbridge at the farther end made it necessary for the person who wished to enter the gate to ask permission.
On ringing the bell, there appeared at the gate the servant who has already been described,--the groom, coachman, and man of all work in one person.

He had on a handsome livery, white gloves, white stockings, and shoes without heels.
"Is the count at home ?" inquired the vice-palatine.
"He is." "Announce us.