ed for that. In my present dress
I made more than one visit to the Werve during my father's last
illness. I have pressed his hand on his death-bed; and he has given
me his signet ring. Out of prudence I do not wear it on my finger,
but like this, in my bosom, attached by a cord round my neck. And
Francis," he cried in triumph, "has accepted assistance from me
during these last days of trial. When the Kermis at Laren is over,
we shall leave this country; and I shall never more set foot on my
native soil," he added, sadly, as he mounted his horse; and pressing
my hand for the last time, took an eternal farewell of me.

CHAPTER XXXV.

Our surprises were not yet at an end.

On my return to Zutphen I found Overberg waiting for me at my hotel. He
had just received from England a packet addressed to Francis, which
Fritz had refused to take charge of, as he did not know where to find
her. I assured him that Miss Mordaunt had now returned to the Castle;
and I offered my driver double fare if he would go at once to the
Castle, and bring me back a recu from Francis. I should then have
proof positive of her return to the Werve. I was very anxious to find
out what this packet could contain; and I was in despair as to any
suitable means of satisfying my curiosity, when early next morning
old Fritz arrived at the hotel with a note from his mistress. He had
his orders not to deliver it into anybody's hands but mine. I broke
the seal with trembling fingers, and read as follows--

"Cousin Leopold--I must speak to you once more before you start
on your travels; it is absolutely necessary. You once assured
me you were always ready to oblige a woman who exercised the
privileges of her sex. May I hope you will come to the Werve
to have a last interview with me? Instead of writing I should
have preferred to come to your hotel to see you; but I was
afraid of scandalizing you by such a liberty. Please send
word by Fritz the day and hour I may expect you.

F. M."

I had but one answer to this note; it was to order out the hotel
carriage, and drive back with Fritz. My hopes and fears as we drove
along I will not attempt to describe; they are better left to your
imagination; but everything seemed to turn round before my eyes as we
passed over the old drawbridge, and drove up to the hall-door. Rolf
was awaiting me at the entrance; and he led me into the drawingroom
without a word, only e