Without waiting for an invitation, I went up to the door--half protected against the winter snows by a small open portico--and unceremoniously walked in.

The first apartment was empty, but I noticed a low door in the wall to the left, and passing through this, entered the principal room.

As the scene was new to me, I noted the principal objects.

In the wall before me were two small square windows looking out upon the road, and in the corner to the right, nearer to the ceiling than to the floor, was a little triangular shelf, on which stood a religious picture.

Before the picture hung a curious oil lamp.