The old caleche returned from the city, drew up near the stable, and the farmer and his wife ran out to salute their master and put up the horse.  While they were thus engaged, Monsieur De Vlierbeck got out of the vehicle and spoke to them kindly, but in a voice so full of sadness that both looked at him with astonishment.  In fact, the gravity of this singular person never abandoned him even in his most affable moods; but at that moment his physiognomy indicated a degree of intense depression which was by no means habitual.  He seemed altogether worn out with fatigue, 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.