Please take these things . '' Amy began to hand him her miscellaneous collection of bags , books , shawls and cushions . `` I 'd no idea couriers were such decent creatures , '' whispered Amy , as they followed him along the hall . `` Do n't you remember the raptures Mrs. Mortimer used to have over their Italian courier , and her funny description of him ? ` Beautiful to behold , with a night of hair , eyes full of an infinite tenderness , and a sumptuous cheek . ' '' Both girls laughed , and Amy averred that Karl 's eyes danced with merriment as he glanced over his shoulder , as the silvery peal sounded behind him . `` Hush ! he understands English ; we must be careful , '' said Helen , and neither spoke again till they reached the carriage . Everything was ready , and as they drove away , the major , leaning luxuriously back , exclaimed , -- `` Now I begin to enjoy travelling , for I 'm no longer worried by the thought of luggage , time-tables , trains , and the everlasting perplexity of thalers , kreutzers , and pfenniges . This man is a treasure ; everything is done in the best manner , and his knowledge of matters is really amazing . '' `` He 's a very gentlemanly-looking person , '' said Amy , eying a decidedly aristocratic foot through the front window of the carriage , for Karl sat up beside the driver . `` He is a gentleman , my dear . Many of these couriers are well born and educated , but , being poor , prefer this business to any other , as it gives them variety , and often pleasant society . I 've had a long talk with Hoffman , and find him an excellent and accomplished fellow . He has lost his fortune , it seems , through no fault of his own , so being fond of a roving life , turned courier for a time , and we are fortunate to have secured him . '' `` But one does n't know how to treat him , '' said Helen . `` I do n't like to address him as a servant , and yet it 's not pleasant to order a gentleman about . '' `` Oh , it will be easy enough as we go on together . Just call him Hoffman , and behave as if you knew nothing about his past . He begged me not to mention it , but I thought you 'd like the romance of the thing .
Only do n't either of you run away with him , as Ponsonby 's daughter did with her courier , who was n't a XXXXX , by the way . ''
Everything courier creatures fellow foot fortune gentleman servant talk time