s as a ray of light. Aunt had changed her will,
after this incident, in favour of Francis, and not, it was clear,
for purposes of revenge. Now I felt more bound than ever to win the
love of Francis, and to marry her; and I confess my inclinations were
tending in that direction. Her straightforward, upright character,
her original and piquant style of beauty, were already beginning to
act like a charm upon me; still it would be well not to precipitate
matters, and I controlled a desire which came over me to demand her
hand on the spot. There were also mysterious events in her past life
which required clearing up. Besides, I had to consider how it would
be possible to change her aversion from marriage, the male sex, and
social life in general. And I was convinced if she once pronounced
the fatal word "No," my suit was hopeless.

CHAPTER XV.

Fritz, who came up at a trot, after the usual military salute to
Francis, interrupted our further conversation. He addressed her in
the following words--

"Freule, the Captain sends to inquire if you have thought of the sauce
for the pudding, and if you will let him have the key to the pantry?"

Turning to me she said--

"Excuse me, Leo--duty first and pleasure afterwards; my worthy adjutant
reminds me I have duties in the kitchen."

In a moment she had tripped away out of sight, and the General,
rising, said--

"I must also go and dress, for I never dine in my dressing-gown." Then
calling to Fritz, he said, "Show the Jonker to his room, if it
is ready."

"Certainly, General; I have taken up his bag."

"So you have brought a travelling-bag?" asked the General, with a
smile, and giving me an inquiring look.

"What shall I say, uncle; did I take too great a liberty in reckoning
on an invitation for a few days?"

"Certainly not, my boy!" he replied frankly; "a change is very welcome
to me--only try to make it all right with Francis."

Fritz led the way up a broad oaken staircase to the first floor of the
left wing, the very one which had struck me as the least habitable. I
was shown into a large room that had once been well furnished, but
which now appeared rather sombre, as all the shutters were closed
except one, and this was only left ajar. I asked Fritz to open them,
telling him I was fond of plenty of light.

"Sir, Freule gave me orders to keep the shutters closed, otherwise
there would be too much light, for there are no blinds."

"Never mind, man;