No sooner had De Vlierbeck presented his guests to Lenora, in the saloon, than Denecker broke forth in exclamations of undisguised admiration—­

“How charming, how beautiful she is! and yet so hidden in this Grinselhof of yours, Monsieur de Vlierbeck!  What a shame, sir! what a shame!”

In the mean time Gustave and Lenora had moved off to a short distance from the old gentlemen, and were busy in a chat of their own, inaudible to the rest but evidently interesting to themselves, for they were observed not only to blush but tremble.  Denecker, in fact, could not help observing the young people’s emotion; and, as De Vlierbeck passed down the saloon with him, remarked that the young beauty was evidently turning his nephew’s head.  “He talks of her constantly,” said he, “and I don’t know what may come of it; but I give you fair warning, Monsieur De Vlierbeck, if you are unwilling to see something more than compliments between these children you had better take time by the forelock.  It will soon be too late to reason with them; for my nephew, with all his calm gentleness, is not the man to retreat before difficulties.”

De Vlierbeck was secretly delighted by the merchant’s counsels, but was too wise to display anxiety.

“You are joking, Monsieur Denecker,” said he:  “I can’t think there is a particle of danger.  They are both young, 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.