questions, many of which. I could not answer, about England; about its history, government, population, natural products, climate, &c. As we talked, he took out a note-book, and seemed to be taking down what I said. I was rude enough, I fear, once to look over his shoulder; but, though a fair proficient at shorthand, and a student not only of the phonographic but other systems, I could not detect what it was he was writing.

At length we came to Dieppe, which I found in possession of the Prussians. In a few hours I once more trod on British soil.

"How delighted I am," I said, "and how grateful to you for bringing me home to dear old England!"

"One loves one's country. I suppose I should love mine, even if it were less lovable."

"But what is your country?"

He was silent, and seemed not to hear my query.