What a pity! Read on, my child--we are vastly interested." Thus encouraged, the Baroness continued "'In Russia the crops are good, and from my window with pleasure I observe them.

Petersburg is a nice town, and I have a pleasant apartment in it!'" "What!" exclaimed the Countess.

"He is looking at the crops from his window in St.Petersburg!" Sir Justin grimly pursed his lips, but his silence was more ominous than speech.

In fact, the Baron's unfortunate effort at realism by the introduction of his window struck the first blow at his wife's implicit trust in him.

She was evidently a little disconcerted, though she stoutly declared-- "He is evidently living in the suburbs, mamma." "Will you be so kind as to read on a little farther ?" interposed Sir Justin in a grave voice.
"'The following reflections have I made.