The entire population of Fertoeszeg was assembled on the public highway to welcome the new proprietress of the estate.

Elaborate preparations had been made for the reception.

An arch of green boughs--at the top of which gleamed the word "Vivat" in yellow roses--spanned the road, on either side of which were ranged twelve little girls in white, with flower-baskets in their hands.

They were under the superintendence of the village cantor, whose intention it was to conclude the ceremonies with a hymn of welcome by these innocent little creatures.
On a sort of platform, a bevy of rosy-cheeked maids were waiting to present to the new-comer a huge hamper heaped to the brim with ripe melons, grapes, and Ostyepka cheeses of marvelous shapes.

Mortars crowned the summit of the neighboring hill.