e, and his eyes, which were commonly so vivacious, drooped, dull
and languishing, beneath their heavy lids.

The horse was quickly put in the stable, and the young lackey, who had
already divested himself of his livery, took several baskets and packets
from the vehicle, carried them into the farm-house, and placed them on
the table of the antechamber.

"And now, Master John," said De Vlierbeck, approaching the farmer, "I
shall have need of you. There will be company to-morrow at Grinselhof.
Monsieur Denecker and his nephew dine here."

The farmer, perfectly stupefied by the announcement and scarcely able to
believe his own ears, looked at his master with staring eyes and gaping
mouth, and, after a moment's hesitation, stammered forth,--

"That large, rich gentleman, sir, who sits near you every Sunday at high
mass?"

"The same, John. Is there any thing surprising in it?"

"And young Monsieur Gustave, who spoke to _mademoiselle_ in the
churchyard when church was over?"

"The same!"

"Oh, sir, they are such rich people! They have bought all the land
around Echelpoel. They have at least ten horses in the stable at their
_chateau_, without counting those they have in town. Their carriage is
silver from top to bottom."

"I know it; and it is exactly on that account that I desire to receive
them in a becoming manner. You must be ready; your wife and your son
also. I shall call you to-morrow morning very early. You will willingly
lend a hand to help me, won't you?"

"Certainly, certainly, sir; a word from you is enough. I am always happy
to be able to serve you in any way."

"Thank you for your kindness, John. We understand one another, my worthy
fellow; and so farewell till to-morrow."

Monsieur De Vlierbeck entered the farm-house, gave some orders to the
young man in relation to the things he had taken from the vehicle, and,
passing through the screening grove, walked on to Grinselhof.

As soon as he was out of the farmer's sight his physiognomy assumed a
more serene expression, and there was a smile on his lips as he cast his
eyes around in search of some one in the solitude of the garden At a
turn of the path his eye fell suddenly on the sleeping girl. How
beautiful she was in her calm repose! The golden twilight covered her
with its bright reflection, and threw a rosy tint on every thing about
her. Thick curls strayed in beautiful disorder over her cheeks, and
snowy flowers, shaken from the catalpa's branc