I am the vice-palatine of the county, and wish to pay an official visit." "The Herr Count is already informed of the gentlemen's arrival, and bids them welcome." This certainly was getting on smoothly enough! And the most convincing proof of a hearty welcome was that the stately groom himself hastened to remove the luggage from the chaise and carry it into the vestibule--a sign that the guests were expected to make a visit of some duration.
Now, however, something curious happened.
Before the groom opened the hall door, he produced three pairs of socks, woven of strands of cloth,--_mamuss_ they are called in this region,--and respectfully requested the visitors to draw them over their boots.
"And why, pray ?" demanded the astonished vice-palatine.
"Because in this house the clatter of boots is not considered pleasant; and because the socks prevent boots from leaving dusty marks on the carpets." "This is exactly like visiting a powder-magazine." But they had to submit and draw their socks over their yellow boots, and, thus equipped, they ascended the staircase to the reception-room.
An air of almost painful neatness reigned in all parts of the castle.
Stairs and corridors were covered with coarse white cloth, the sort used for peasants' clothing in Hungary.

The walls were hung with glossy white paper.

Every door-latch had been polished until it glistened.

There were no cobwebs to be seen in the corners; nor would a spider have had anything to prey upon here, for there were no flies, either.

The floor of the reception-room into which the visitors had been conducted shone like a mirror, and not a speck of dust was to be seen on the furniture.
"The Herr Count awaits your lordship in the salon," announced the groom, and conducted Herr Bernat into the adjoining chamber.