at that moment his physiognomy indicated a degree of intense depression
which was by no means habitual. He seemed altogether worn out with
fatigue, and his eyes, which were commonly so vivacious, drooped, dull
and languishing, beneath their heavy lids.

The horse was quickly put in the stable, and the young lackey, who had
already divested himself of his livery, took several baskets and packets
from the vehicle, carried them into the farm-house, and placed them on
the table of the antechamber.

"And now, Master John," said De Vlierbeck, approaching the farmer, "I
shall have need of you. There will be company to-morrow at Grinselhof.
Monsieur Denecker and his nephew dine here."

The farmer, perfectly stupefied by the announcement and scarcely able to
believe his own ears, looked at his master with staring eyes and gaping
mouth, and, after a moment's hesitation, stammered forth,--

"That large, rich gentleman, sir, who sits near you every Sunday at high
mass?"

"The same, John. Is there any thing surprising in it?"

"And young Monsieur Gustave, who spoke to _mademoiselle_ in the
churchyard when church was over?"

"The same!"

"Oh, sir, they are such rich people! They have bought all the land
around Echelpoel. They have at least ten horses in the stable at their