No, no; where the ivy now clusters there grew strong portcullis and bars of steel; where the wallflowers now quiver in the ramparts there were silken banners embroidered with wonderful heraldry; men-at-arms marched where now you shall only see a bank of moss or a hideous black champignon; and in place of the rats and owlets, I warrant me there were ladies and knights to revel in the great halls, and to feast and dance, and to make love there." So that we know well beforehand of what kind will this story be.

It will be pure romance,--burlesqued.

"Ho seneschal, fill me a cup of hot liquor; put sugar in it, good fellow; yea, and a little hot water,--but very little, for my soul is sad as I think of those days and knights of old." A knight is riding alone on his war-horse, with all his armour with him,--and his luggage.

His rank is shown by the name on his portmanteau, and his former address and present destination by a card which was attached.

It had run, "Count Ludwig de Hombourg, Jerusalem, but the name of the Holy City had been dashed out with the pen, and that of Godesberg substituted." "By St.Hugo of Katzenellenbogen," said the good knight shivering, "'tis colder here than at Damascus.