"It seems altogether unnecessary, Lenora, to inquire what new beauties
you have discovered in Vondel's 'Lucifer.' You have not had time, I take
it for granted, to begin the comparison between this masterpiece of our
native tongue and Milton's 'Paradise Lost'?"

"Ah! father," murmured Lenora, "my mind is indeed strangely troubled. I
do not know what is the matter with me; I cannot even read with
attention."

"Come, Lenora, my child, don't be sad. Sit down: I have something of
importance to tell you. You do not know why I went to town to-day, do
you? It was because we are to have company to dinner to-morrow!"

Lenora gazed at her father with an earnest and questioning look.

"It is Monsieur Denecker," continued he:--"the wealthy merchant, you
know, who sits near me at church and lives at the _château_ of
Echelpoel."

"Oh, yes! I remember him, father; he always speaks to me so kindly, and
never fails to help me from the carriage when we go to church."

"But your _eyes_ ask, I see, Lenora, whether he is coming _alone_.
_Another_ person will accompany him, my girl!"

"_Gustave!"_ exclaimed the maiden, involuntarily and blushing.

"Exactly! Gustave will be here," replied Monsieur De Vlierbeck. "Don't
tremble on that account, Lenora; and don't become frightened because