to move from the spot.

"Francis, Francis," he said, "don't let your temper overmaster you in
this way. Reflect that the Castle is mortgaged to the last stone, and
that the last six months' interest is not yet paid. If sold to-morrow
it will not fetch a third of the amount for which I have mortgaged
it, and it is only by the generosity of Jonker Leopold that the sale
can any longer be delayed. He has offered to take it off my hands,
together with all the mortgages with which it is burdened, and to
allow me a yearly income which will make me comfortable for life; but
you must marry him, otherwise all our plans come to nought. Understand
that, and don't insult a man who has such generous intentions towards
us. He is still willing to forgive you, if you don't persevere in
your senseless refusal, I am sure; for I have for some time already
been aware he loves you. And we have not to deal with him alone;
there is a will made, and executors and lawyers appointed to see its
provisions carried out. Now what shall I write to Overberg?"

"Write, grandfather," said Francis, rousing herself with an effort,
"that Francis Mordaunt will not suffer herself to be disposed of in
marriage by anybody's testamentary disposition; that she will neither
sell herself for one million nor for two millions, and that she has
decidedly refused Jonker van Zonshoven's offer of marriage."

Feeling confident Francis would do me justice when more calm and
resigned, but feeling also the necessity of not giving way to violence
in dealing with a character such as hers, I said--

"I who have your promise and will not release you from it, I request
the General to write to Overberg that Miss Mordaunt has accepted my
offer, and that the transfer of the Castle de Werve can forthwith
be concluded."

"If I will consent to the sale," interposed Francis, still pale
and unmoved.

"I beg your pardon, Miss Mordaunt," I rejoined, "your grandfather is
the sole owner of the Castle; and during his life the will by which
it is bequeathed to you has no force nor value."

"Ah! if she could only be brought to see all the circumstances in
their true light," sighed Von Zwenken.

"Well, uncle, you write what I have requested you to write; you know
only too well the consequences of any other decision."

"He wants you to write lies!" cried Francis, exasperatingly; "he'll
stick to his million, that's clear."

"Francis," said the General, with the tone of a supplicant, "i