your name has been handed down to posterity. Mr Vanslyperken
perceived his advantage, and pressed still more, until the blushing
widow declared that she would really think seriously about the matter,
if, on further acquaintance, she found that her good opinion of him was
not overrated.

Vanslyperken returned on board intoxicated with his success. On his
arrival, he was informed that a messenger had been sent for him, but no
one knew where to find him, and that he must be at the admiral's early
the next morning, and have all ready for immediate sailing. This was
rather annoying, but there was no help for it. The next day
Vanslyperken went, to the admiral's, and received orders to sail
immediately to the Hague with despatches of consequence, being no less
than an answer from King William to the States General. Mr
Vanslyperken proceeded from the admiral's to the charming widow, to whom
he imparted this unwelcome intelligence. She, of course, was grave, and
listened to his protestations with her little finger in her mouth, and a
pensive downcast eye.

"How long will you be away?" inquired she.

"But a week or ten days at the furthest. I shall fly back to see you
again."

"But tell me the truth, have you no acquaintances there?--now, tell the
truth. I don't mean men."

"Upon my honour, fair widow, I don't know a single woman there," replied
Vanslyperken, pleased with this little appearance of jealousy; "but I'm
afraid that I must leave you, for the admiral is very severe."

"Will you do me one favour, Mr Vanslyperken?"

"Anything:--ask what you will."

"I want this letter forwarded to my brother--I am very anxious about it.
The French agent there will send it on;--it is enclosed to him. Will
you do me that favour, my dear sir?--I'm sure you will, if--"

"If what?"

"If you love me," replied the widow, laying her hand upon Vanslyperken.

"I will, most certainly," said Vanslyperken, taking the letter and
putting it in his pocket.

"Then I shall ask you another," said the widow. "You will think me very
foolish, but there may be an opportunity--will you write to me--just a
few lines--only to tell me that you have given the letter, that's all--
and to say how you are--don't you think me very foolish?"

"I will write, dearest, since you wish it--and now, good-bye."

Vanslyperken took the widow round the waist, and after a little
murmuring and reluctance, was permitted to snatch a kiss. Her eyes
follow