What varied pleasures we enjoy in this delightful way of travelling, not to speak of increasing health and a cheerful spirit.  I notice that those who ride in nice, well-padded carriages are always wrapped in thought, gloomy, fault-finding, or sick; while those who go on foot are always merry, light-hearted, and delighted with everything.  How cheerful we are when we get near our lodging for the night!  How savoury is the coarse food!  How we linger at table enjoying our rest!  How soundly we sleep on a hard bed!  If you only want to get to a place you may ride in a post-chaise; if you want to travel you must go on foot.

If Sophy is not forgotten before we have gone fifty leagues in the way I propose, either I am a bungler or Emile lacks curiosity; for with an elementary knowledge of so many things, it is hardly to be supposed that he will not be tempted to extend his knowledge.  It is knowledge that makes us curious; and Emile knows just enough to want to know more.

One thing leads on to another, and we make our way forward.  If I chose a distant object for the end of our first journey, it is not difficult to find an excuse for it; when we leave Paris we must seek a wife at a distance.

A few days later we had wandered further than usual among hills and valleys where no road was to be seen and we lost our way completely.  No matter, all roads are alike if they bring you to your journey’s end, but if you are hungry they must lead somewhere.  Luckily we came across a peasant who took up to his cottage; we enjoyed his poor dinner with a hearty appetite.  When he saw how hungry and tired we were he said, “If the Lord had led you to the other side of the hill you would have had a better welcome, you would have found a good resting place, such good, kindly people!  They could not wish to do more for you than I, but they are richer, though folks say they used to be much better off.  Still they are not reduced to poverty, and the whole country-side is the better for what they have.”

When Emile heard of these good people his heart warmed to them.  “My friend,” said he, looking at me, “let us visit this house, whose owners are a blessing to the district; I shall be very glad to see them; perhaps they will be pleased to see us too; I am sure we shall be welcome; we shall just suit each other.”

Our host told us how to find our way to the house and we set off, but lost our way in the woods.  We were caught in a heavy rainstorm, which delayed us further.  At last we found the right path and in the evening we reached the house, which had been described to us.  It was the only house among the cottages of the little hamlet, and though plain it had an air of dignity.  We went up to the door and asked for hospitality.  We were taken to the owner of the house, who questioned us courteously; without telling him the object of our journey, we told him why we had left our path.  His former wealth enabled him to judge a man’s position by his manners; those who have lived in society are rarely mistaken; with this passport we were admitted.