eived from America the news of his
brother's death! The unfortunate wanderer died of exhaustion in the
wilderness near Hudson's Bay. The poor gentleman wept long and bitterly
for the loss of a brother whom he tenderly loved; but he was soon and
roughly turned aside to encounter the catastrophe of his own fate.

The day of sale arrived. Early in the morning Grinselhof was invaded by
all sorts of people, who, moved by curiosity or a desire to purchase,
overran every nook and corner of the house, examining the furniture and
estimating its value.

De Vlierbeck had caused every thing that was to be sold to be carried
into the most spacious apartments, where, aided by his daughter, he
passed the entire preceding night in dusting, cleaning, and polishing
the various articles, so that they might prove more attractive to
competitors. He had no personal interest in this labor; for, his funded
property having been sold some days before at great loss, it was certain
that the sale of all his remaining possessions would not exceed the
amount of his debts. It was a noble sentiment of honor and probity that
compelled him to sacrifice his rest for his creditors, so as to diminish
as much as he could the amount of their losses. It was clear that De
Vlierbeck did not intend to prolong his stay at Grinselhof after the
sale; for among the articles to be offered were the only two bedsteads
in the house, with their bedding, and a large quantity of clothes
belonging to him and his daughter.

Very early in the day Lenora went to the farm-house, where she remained
until all was over. At ten o'clock the saloon was full of people. Nobles
and gentlefolks of both sexes were mixed up with brokers and second-hand
dealers who had come to Grinselhof with the hope of getting bargains.
Peasants might be seen talking together, in low voices, with surprise at
Do Vlierbeck's ruin; and there were even some who laughed openly and
joked as the auctioneer read the terms of sale!

As the salesman put up a very handsome wardrobe, De Vlierbeck himself
entered the apartment and mingled with the bidders. His appearance
caused a general movement in the crowd; heads went together and men
began to whisper, while the bankrupt was stared at with insolent
curiosity or with pity, but by the greater part with indifference or
derision. Yet, whatever malicious feeling existed in the assembly, it
did not last long; for the firm demeanor and imposing countenance of De
Vlierb