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‘Le grand Jean d’Angleterre!’ now who was le grand Jean d’Angleterre? John Bull? John Russell? John Bright?

‘Jean–Jean’–continued the gentleman, seeing my embarrassment. ‘Ah, these terrible English names–“Jean de Geanquilleur!”‘

I was as wise as ever. And yet the name struck me as familiar, but slightly disguised. I repeated it to myself. It was mighty like John the Giant-killer, only his friends always call that worthy ‘Jack’. I said the name aloud.

‘Ah, that is it!’ said he. ‘But why has he not accompanied you to our little reunion to-night?’

I had been rather puzzled once or twice before, but this serious question added considerably to my perplexity. Jack the Giant-killer had once, it is true, been rather an intimate friend of mine, as far as (printer’s) ink and paper can keep up a friendship, but I had not heard his name mentioned for years; and for aught I knew he lay enchanted with King Arthur’s knights, who lie entranced until the blast of the trumpets of four mighty kings shall call them to help at England’s need. But the question had been asked in serious earnest by that gentleman, whom I more wished to think well of me than I did any other person in the room. So I answered respectfully that it was long since I had heard anything of my countryman; but that I was sure it would have given him as much pleasure as it was doing myself to have been present at such an agreeable gathering of friends. He bowed, and then the lame lady took up the word.

‘To-night is the night when, of all the year, this great old forest surrounding the castle is said to be haunted by the phantom of a little peasant girl who once lived hereabouts; the tradition is that she was devoured by a wolf. In former days I have seen her on this night out of yonder window at the end of the gallery. Will you, ma belle, take monsieur to see the view outside by the moonlight (you may possibly see the phantom-child); and leave me to a little tete-a-tete with your husband?’

With a gentle movement the lady with the roses complied with the other’s request, and we went to a great window, looking down on the forest, in which I had lost my way. The tops of the far-spreading and leafy trees lay motionless beneath us in the pale, wan light, which shows objects almost as distinct in form, though not in colour, as by day. We looked down on the countless avenues, which seemed to converge from all quarters to the great old castle; and suddenly across one, quite near to us, there passed the figure of a little girl, with the ‘capuchon’ on, that takes the place of a peasant girl’s bonnet in France. She had a basket on one arm, and by her, on the side to which her head was turned, there went a wolf. I could almost have said it was licking her hand, as if in penitent love, if either penitence or love had ever been a quality of wolves,–but though not of living, perhaps it may be of phantom wolves.

‘There, we have seen her!’ exclaimed my beautiful companion. ‘Though so long dead, her simple story of household goodness and trustful simplicity still lingers in the hearts of all who have ever heard of her; and the country-people about here say that seeing that phantom-child on this anniversary brings good luck for the year. Let us hope that we shall share in the traditionary good fortune. Ah! here is Madame de Retz–she retains the name of her first husband, you know, as he was of higher rank than the present.’ We were joined by our hostess.

‘If monsieur is fond of the beauties of nature and art,’ said she, perceiving that I had been looking at the view from the great window, ‘he will perhaps take pleasure in seeing the picture.’ Here she sighed, with a little affectation of grief. ‘You know the picture I allude to,’ addressing my companion, who bowed assent, and smiled a little maliciously, as I followed the lead of madame.