and there is nothing surprising
in mutual attraction under such circumstances. There can hardly be any
thing serious in their intercourse. But, come," added he, aloud; "I
perceive that dinner is served; and so let us adjourn to the table!"
Gustave led in the blushing girl, and the elders followed admiringly in
their rear, while the merchant shook his finger coquettishly at his
gallant nephew. De Vlierbeck placed Monsieur Denecker opposite him at
table, and made Gustave the _vis-a-vis_ of Lenora.

Bess brought in the dishes, while her son waited on the guests. The
viands were prepared with considerable skill, and Denecker took frequent
occasion to express his satisfaction with their exquisite flavor. In
truth, he was rather surprised at the sumptuousness of the repast; for
he had been prepared to expect lenten fare in a household which was
renowned throughout the neighborhood for its austere economy.

In a short time the conversation became general; and Lenora astonished
Monsieur Denecker by the extent of her information and the admirable
style in which she expressed herself and did the honors of the table.
But, notwithstanding her ease and freedom while conversing with the
uncle, an observer could not help detecting that she was shy, if not
absolutely embarrassed, when obliged to reply to some casual remark of
the nephew. Nor was Gustave more at ease than the maiden. In fact, they
were both happy at heart because fate had thrown them together; but they
would have been quite willing to enjoy that delicious silence which in
love is often more eloquent than in language.

In the mean while De Vlierbeck rattled away, with the ease of a man of
the world, on all subjects that might interest his guests; yet he
listened, with equal good manners, to Denecker's conversation, and now
and then adroitly threw in such hints as allowed him to speak learnedly
upon commercial matters. The merchant was gratified by his deferential
civility, and was drawn toward his entertainer by a stronger bond than
that of mere social politeness.

Indeed, all went on swimmingly, and all were pleased with themselves.
De Vlierbeck was especially gratified to find that Bess and her boy
performed their tasks so well, and that the spoons and plates were so
quickly washed and brought back that it was impossible to notice the
deficiency of their number. One thing alone began to worry him. He saw
with pain that while Denecker was busy with his food and chat