_château_, without counting those they have in town. Their carriage is
silver from top to bottom."

"I know it; and it is exactly on that account that I desire to receive
them in a becoming manner. You must be ready; your wife and your son
also. I shall call you to-morrow morning very early. You will willingly
lend a hand to help me, won't you?"

"Certainly, certainly, sir; a word from you is enough. I am always happy
to be able to serve you in any way."

"Thank you for your kindness, John. We understand one another, my worthy
fellow; and so farewell till to-morrow."

Monsieur De Vlierbeck entered the farm-house, gave some orders to the
young man in relation to the things he had taken from the vehicle, and,
passing through the screening grove, walked on to Grinselhof.

As soon as he was out of the farmer's sight his physiognomy assumed a
more serene expression, and there was a smile on his lips as he cast his
eyes around in search of some one in the solitude of the garden At a
turn of the path his eye fell suddenly on the sleeping girl. How
beautiful she was in her calm repose! The golden twilight covered her
with its bright reflection, and threw a rosy tint on every thing about
her. Thick curls strayed in beautiful disorder over her cheeks, and
snowy flowers, shaken from the catalpa's branches by the evening breeze,
had fallen around her in profusion. She still dreamed, and the happy
smile yet rested on her features. De Vlierbeck gazed earnestly at his
sleeping child, and raised his eyes to heaven as he said,
tremulously,--"Thanks, Almighty Father! she is happy! Let my martyrdom