kes, appealed to
Denecker's commercial knowledge, and even quizzed him a little when he
found their conversation beginning to flag. In fact, he was rejoicing
that five o'clock, and, of course, the carriage, were rapidly
approaching, when Denecker suddenly recalled his nephew from a distant
quarter of the garden where he was strolling with Lenora.

"Come, Gustave; come," said he; "if you wish to drink a parting glass
with us let us get in, for the coach will be here in a moment."

De Vlierbeck instantly became pale as a sheet, and, trembling from head
to foot, stared silently at Denecker, who could no longer restrain his
surprise at these exhibitions.

"Are you ill, sir?" said he.

"My stomach is a singular one, Monsieur Denecker, and I suffer spasms if
you even mention _wine!_ It is a strange malady; but--Oh, I hear your
coach, Monsieur Denecker; and there it is, drawing up, I see, at the
gateway."

Of course Denecker spoke no more of wine; but, as he could not help
noticing the alacrity with which De Vlierbeck hailed the prospect of his
departure, he would have been deeply mortified, if not offended, had not
the previous hospitality of his host satisfied him of their welcome. He
thought, perhaps, that he ought to attribute his entertainer's conduct
to some singular nervous disease which he masked under an antipathy for
wine; and accordingly he took leave with a warm and friendly farewell.

"I have passed a delightful afternoon with you, Monsieur De Vlierbeck,"
said he. "We have found ourselves, I am sure, extremely happy in your
and your daughter's charming society. It is a pleasure added to my life
to have made your acquaintance; and I hope that further intimacy may
assure me your friendship. In the mean while, let me thank you from the
bottom of my heart for your kind reception."

As he finished the sentence, Lenora and Gustave joined them.

"My nephew," continued Denecker, "will confess, as I have done, that he
has spent few happier hours than those that are just gone. I hope,
Monsieur de Vlierbeck, that you and your charming daughter will return
our visit and dine with us. Yet I shall have to ask your pardon for
postponing the pleasure it will afford us till I return from Frankfort,
where I am summoned, the day after to-morrow, on urgent business. It is
probable I may be detained away a couple of months; but if my nephew
should be allowed to visit you in my absence let me hope he will be
welcome."

De Vl