and, at last, he spoke out clearly what his aspirations were.  The widow blushed, laughed, wiped her eyes as if to brush away a falling tear, and eventually, with a slight pressure of the hand, stammered that she did not know what to say, the acquaintance was so short—­it was so unexpected—­she must reflect a little:  at the same time, she could not but acknowledge, that she had been taken with him when she first saw him; and then she laughed and said, that she did really begin to believe that there was such a thing as love at first sight, and then—­he had better go now, she wished to be alone—­she really had a headache.  Oh!  Nancy Corbett! you were, indeed, an adept in the art of seduction—­no wonder that your name has been handed down to posterity.  Mr Vanslyperken perceived his advantage, and pressed still more, until the blushing widow declared that she would really think seriously about the matter, if on further acquaintance she found that her good opinion of him was not overrated.

Vanslyperken returned on board intoxicated with his success.  On his arrival, he was informed that a messenger had been sent for him, but no one knew where to find him, and that he must be at the admiral’s early the next morning, and have all ready for immediate sailing.  This was rather annoying, but there was no help for it.  The next day Vanslyperken went to the admiral’s, and received orders to sail immediately to the Hague with despatches of consequence, being no less than an answer from King William to the States General.  Mr Vanslyperken proceeded from the admiral’s to the charming widow, to whom he imparted this unwelcome intelligence.  She, of course, was grave, and listened to his protestations with her little finger in her mouth, and a pensive, down-cast eye.

“How long will you be away?” inquired she.

“But a week or ten days at the farthest.  I shall fly back to see you again.”

“But, tell me the truth, have you no acquaintances there?—­now, tell me the truth.  I don’t mean men.”

“Upon my honour, fair widow, I don’t know a single woman there,” replied Vanslyperken, pleased with this little appearance of jealousy; “but I’m afraid that I must leave you, for the admiral is very severe.”

“Will you do me one favour, Mr Vanslyperken?”

“Anything:—­ask what you will.”

“I want this letter forwarded to my brother—­I am very anxious about it.  The French agent there will send it on;—­it is enclosed to him.  Will you do me that favour, my dear sir?—­I’m sure you will if——­”

“If what?”

“If you love me,” replied the widow, laying her hand upon Vanslyperken.

“I will, most certainly,” said Vanslyperken, taking the letter and putting it in his pocket.

“Then I shall ask you another,” said the widow.  “You will think me very foolish, but there may be an opportunity—­will you write to me—­just a few lines—­only to tell me that you have given the letter, that’s all—­and to say how you are—­don’t you think me very foolish?”