On his return he reported that all the hotels and pensions were full , but that at La Tour he had secured rooms for a few weeks in a quaint old chateau on the banks of the lake . `` Count Severin is absent in Egypt , and the housekeeper has permission to let the apartments to transient visitors . The suite of rooms I speak of were engaged to a party who are detained by sickness -- they are cheap , pleasant , and comfortable . A salon and four bed-rooms . I engaged them all , thinking that Teblinski might like a room there till he finds lodgings at Montreaux . We can enter at once , and I am sure the ladies will approve of the picturesque place . '' `` Well done , Hoffman ; off we go without delay , for I really long to rest my old bones in something like a home , after this long trip , '' said the major , who always kept his little troop in light marching order . The sail across that loveliest of lakes prepared the new-comers to be charmed with all they saw ; and when , entering by the old stone gate , they were led into a large saloon , quaintly furnished and opening into a terrace-garden overhanging the water , with Chillon and the Alps in sight , Amy declared nothing could be more perfect , and Helen 's face proved her satisfaction . An English widow and two quiet old German professors on a vacation were the only inmates besides themselves and the buxom Swiss housekeeper and her maids . It was late when our party arrived , and there was only time for a hasty survey of their rooms and a stroll in the garden before dinner . The great chamber , with its shadowy bed , dark mirrors , ghostly wainscot-doors and narrow windows , had not been brightened for a long time by such a charming little apparition as Amy when she shook out her airy muslins , smoothed her curls , and assumed all manner of distracting devices for the captivation of mankind . Even Helen , though not much given to personal vanity , found herself putting flowers in her hair , and studying the effect of bracelets on her handsome arms , as if there was some especial need of looking her best on this occasion . Both were certainly great ornaments to the drawing-room that evening , as the old professors agreed while they sat blinking at them , like a pair of benign owls . Casimer surprised them by his skill in music , for , though forbidden to sing on account of his weak lungs , he played as if inspired . Amy hovered about him like a moth ; the major cultivated the acquaintance of the plump widow ; and Helen stood at the window , enjoying the lovely night and music , till something happened which destroyed her pleasure in both . The window was open , and , leaning from it , she was watching the lake , when the sound of a heavy sigh caught her ear . There was no moon , but through the starlight she saw a man 's figure among the shrubs below , sitting with bent head and hidden face in the forlorn attitude of one shut out from the music , light , and gayety that reigned within . `` It is Karl , '' she thought , and was about to speak , when , as if startled by some sound she did not hear , he rose and vanished in the gloom of the garden . `` Poor man ! he thought of his wife and child , perhaps , sitting here alone while all the rest make merry , with no care for him .
Uncle must see to this ; '' and XXXXX fell into a reverie till Amy came to propose retiring .
Helen Karl Montreaux Severin Teblinski bed-rooms bracelets muslins night wainscot-doors