her
room, stating that the priest had entered her chamber, and she did not
like the intrusion.

"Holy father! is it possible?" replied the woman. Amine made no reply,
but went to bed; but Father Mathias heard all that passed as he paced
the room below. The next day he called upon Father Seysen, and
communicated to him what had occurred and the false suspicions of Amine.

"You have acted hastily," replied Father Seysen, "to visit a woman's
chamber at such an hour of the night."

"I had my suspicions, good Father Seysen."

"And she will have hers. She is young and beautiful."

"Now, by the blessed Virgin--"

"I absolve you, good Mathias," replied Father Seysen, "but still, if
known, it would occasion much scandal to our church."

And known it soon was; for the woman who had been summoned by Amine did
not fail to mention the circumstance and Father Mathias found himself
everywhere so coldly received, and, besides, so ill at ease with
himself, that he very soon afterwards quitted the country, and returned
to Lisbon, angry with himself for his imprudence, but still more angry
with Amine for her unjust suspicions.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

The cargo of the Dort was soon ready, and Philip sailed and arrived at
Amsterdam without any further adventure. That he reached his cottage,
and was received with delight by Amine need hardly be said. She had
been expecting him; for the two ships of the squadron, which had sailed
on his arrival at Batavia, and which had charge of his despatches, had,
of course, carried letters to her from Philip, the first letters she had
ever received from him during his voyages. Six weeks after the letters
Philip himself made his appearance, and Amine was happy. The Directors
were, of course, highly satisfied with Philip's conduct, and he was
appointed to the command of a large armed ship, which was to proceed to
India in the spring, one-third of which, according to agreement, was
purchased by Philip out of the funds which he had in the hands of the
Company. He had now five months of quiet and repose to pass away,
previous to his once more trusting to the elements and this time, as it
was agreed, he had to make arrangements on board for the reception of
Amine.

Amine narrated to Philip what had occurred between her and the priest
Mathias, and by what means she had rid herself of his unwished for
surveillance.

"And were you practising your mother's arts, Amine?"

"Nay, not practisi