Are there any old legends attached to the castle ?' Conard asked his sister. Conard was a prosperous HUMBUNRG MERCHANT, but he had a stronger imagination than the rest of his family.

The Baroness Gruebel shrugged her plump shoulders.

"There are Always legends about these old places. They are not difficult to invent and they cost nothing. In this case, there is a story that when anyine dies in the castle all the dogs in the village and the wild beasts in the forest howl all night long. It would not be pleasent to listen to, would it?

'It would be weird and romantic,' said the humburg merchant.

'Anyhow , it isn't true,' continued the Baroness; 'since we brought the place we have had proof that nothing of the sort happens. When the old Mother-in-Law died last spring we all listened, but there was no howling. It is just a story that lends dignity to the place without costing anyting.?

"The story is not as you have told it,' said Amalie, the grey Old governess. Everyone turned and looked at her in astonishment. She usually sat silent in her place at table, never speaking unless someone spoke to her, and there were few who troubled to make conversation with her. Today, however, she cintinued to talk rapidly and nervously, looking straight in front of her and seeming to adress no one in particular.