We have five months of ice and snow, and for four months are practically cut off from civilization and see no new face." "Terrible!" I gasped, glancing round at those dark stone walls that seemed to breathe an air of tragedy and mystery.

The old castle had, I supposed, been turned into a convent, as many have been in Germany and Austria.

Back in feudal times it no doubt had been a grand old place.
"And have you been here long ?" I asked.
"Seven years only.

But I am leaving.

Even I, used as I am to a solitary life, can stand it no longer.