st in England. Hark! here they come, so, wife, put
on a pleasant face; they will think it unlucky if you do not smile."

As he spoke Foy re-entered the room, leading Elsa by the hand, and she
looked as sweet a maid as ever the sun shone on. So they told their
story, and kneeling down before Dirk, received his blessing in the old
fashion, and very glad were they in the after years to remember that it
had been so received. Then they turned to Lysbeth, and she also lifted
up her hand to bless them, but ere it touched their heads, do what she
would to check it, a cry forced its way to her lips, and she said:

"Oh! children, doubtless you love each other well, but is this a time
for marrying and giving in marriage?"

"My own words, my very words," exclaimed Elsa, springing to her feet and
turning pale.

Foy looked vexed. Then recovering himself and trying to smile, he said:

"And I give them the same answer--that two are better than one;
moreover, this is a betrothal, not a marriage."

"Ay," muttered Martin behind, thinking aloud after his fashion,
"betrothal is one thing and marriage another," but low as he spoke Elsa
overheard him.

"Your mother is upset," broke in Dirk, "and you can guess why, so do not
disturb her more at present. Let us to our business, you and Martin to
the factory to make arrangements there as I have told you, and I, after
I have seen the captain, to whatever God shall call me to do. So, till
we meet again, farewell, my son--and daughter," he added, smiling at
Elsa.

They left the room, but as Martin was following them Lysbeth called him
back.

"Go armed to the factory, Martin," she said, "and see that your young
master wears that steel shirt beneath his jerkin."

Martin nodded and went.

Adrian woke up that morning in an ill mood. He had, it is true,
administered his love potion with singular dexterity and success, but as
yet he reaped no fruit from his labours, and was desperately afraid lest
the effect of the magic draught might wear off. When he came downstairs
it was to find that Foy and Martin were already departed to the factory,
and that his stepfather had gone out, whither he knew not. This was so
much to the good, for it left the coast clear. Still he was none the
better off, since either his mother and Elsa had taken their breakfast
upstairs, or they had dispensed with that meal. His mother he could
spare, especially after her recent contact with a plague patient, but
unde