r, otherwise they will be
alarmed about us at the Castle. They won't know what to think of our
long absence."

"Just let me say, Francis, it must be with us as Tennyson puts it--

"Sit side by side, full summed in all their powers,
------
Self-reverent each, and reverencing each:
Distinct in individualities,
But like each other even as those who love."

"Exactly my opinion!" she exclaimed, applauding the sentiment.

CHAPTER XXXII.

It was just as well we went in, for we met Rolf and Fritz, who had
been sent out in search of us, as the General, though in a good
humour, was most impatient to speak to us. When we entered his room
he was arranging his papers, and did not give us time to announce
our engagement, as we intended.

"Francis," he cried, "why did you stay out so long when I have such
good news to tell you?"

"That's just what I have to tell you, grandfather; but what can have
pleased you so much? You have not been made heir to Aunt Roselaer's
property, have you?"

"It comes almost to the same thing, my child. Know then that the heir
to Aunt Roselaer's property asks your hand in marriage. It is one of
the conditions of the will; and I believe he will be agreeable to you."

I smiled, though I found that Overberg and Van Beek had been in too
great a hurry to inform the old Baron of the real state of affairs. I
had wished to be the first to break this agreeable surprise to Francis.

She stepped forward towards the General, and in a firm voice she said--

"I am sorry, grandfather, to disappoint you. The gentleman comes
too late, for I have just promised my hand and heart to my cousin,
Leopold van Zonshoven--and that is the good news I came to tell you."

"But that's all the better, dear child--all the better; for the heir
to Aunt Roselaer's property and your cousin Leopold van Zonshoven are
one and the same person; and on the condition that you should marry
the heir."

Francis, turning on me brusquely, cried, "It is not true, Leopold? Oh,
say it is not true!" she exclaimed, violently agitated.

"Then I should not speak the truth," I answered. "The only difference
for you," I continued, "is this: you thought you were giving your
heart to a 'poor gentleman,' and now, like a prince in the fairy tales,
he turns out to be a millionaire. Can such a surprise be disagreeable
to you?"

"Not a disagreeable surprise to me"--she almost shrieked, with
s