want me when she learns all. And yet I must do this thing. So long
as Jan's soul is in me, I love Christina better than myself. I must
do this for her sake. I love her--I cannot help it."

Old Nicholas rose, took from the place, where a month before he had
hidden it, the silver flask of cunning workmanship.

"Just two more glassfuls left," mused Nicholas, as he gently shook the
flask against his ear. He laid it on the desk before him, then opened
once again the old green ledger, for there still remained work to be
done.

He woke Christina early. "Take these letters, Christina," he
commanded. "When you have delivered them all, but not before, go to
Jan; tell him I am waiting here to see him on a matter of business."
He kissed her and seemed loth to let her go.

"I shall only be a little while," smiled Christina.

"All partings take but a little while," he answered.

Old Nicholas had foreseen the trouble he would have. Jan was content,
had no desire to be again a sentimental young fool, eager to saddle
himself with a penniless wife. Jan had other dreams.

"Drink, man, drink!" cried Nicholas impatiently, "before I am tempted
to change my mind. Christina, provided you marry her, is the richest
bride in Zandam. There is the deed; read it; and read quickly."

Then Jan consented, and the two men drank. And there passed a breath