ld expect, in such a case, to return Sir Myndert, and
then the Manhattanese might hear of a Lady Van Beverout, in which case,
pretty Alida, thy assets would be sadly diminished!--so go to thy bed,
child, and dream of fine laces, and rich velvets, and duty to old uncles,
and discretion, and all manner of agreeable things--kiss me, jade, and to
thy pillow."

Alida obeyed, and was preparing to quit the room, when the free-trader
presented himself before her with an air at once so gallant and
respectful, that she could scarce take offence at the freedom.

"I should fail in gratitude," he said, "were I to part from so generous a
customer, without thanks for her liberality. The hope of meeting again,
will hasten my return."

"I know not that you are my debtor for these thanks," returned Alida,
though she saw that the Alderman was carefully collecting the contents of
the bale, and that he had already placed three or four of the most
tempting of its articles on her dressing-table. "We cannot be said to have
bargained."

"I have parted with more than is visible to vulgar eyes," returned the
stranger, dropping his voice, and speaking with an earnestness that caused
his auditor to start. "Whether there will be a return for the gift, or
perhaps I had better call it loss,--time and my stars must show!"

He then took her hand, and raided it to his lips, by an action so graceful
and so gentle, as not to alarm the maiden, until the freedom was done. La
belle Barberie reddened to her forehead, seemed disposed to condemn the
liberty, frowned, smiled, and curtsying in confusion, withdrew.

Several minutes passed in profound silence, after Alida had disappeared.
The stranger was thoughtful, though his bright eye kindled, as if merry
thoughts were uppermost; and he paced the room, entirely heedless of the
existence of the Alderman. The latter, however, soon took occasion to
remind his companion of his presence.

"No fear of the girl's prating," exclaimed the Alderman, when his task was
ended. "She is an excellent and dutiful niece; and here, you see, is a
balance on her side of the account, that would shut the mouth of the wife
of the First Lord of the Treasury. I disliked the manner in which you
would have the child introduced; for, look you, I do not think that either
Monsieur Barberie, or my late sister, would altogether approve of her
entering into traffic, so very young;--but what is done, is done; and the
Norman himself could n