rob two persons of their inheritance, which both are likely notwithstanding to recover? And having the honour to be accepted of your daughter, you should hear with pleasure that in a few days I hope to recover my rightful position." "Ah," said the uncle, "if Buckingham had lived, you would; but now

"Now, Count, the French Court are about to do me justice, and to require your assent."

"Never! never!" cried both the angry relatives.

"Would it not be better," answered the calm Fleming, "to accept the inevitable with some dignity; or have you, madam, any other husband for Gabrielle; or you, sir, any fresh foundling as heir to your estates? Madam, I speak as a friend, or even a son,-if for Gabrielle's sake you will permit me. The houses of Berghem and Arenberg were wont to be long united: their lands march together, and they have often intermarried."

"But you are a heretic!" exclaimed the mother.

"So, madam, alas! are many of the Dutch nobility, and of the German, and even French. Heretics, madam, do not learn to repudiate their Catholic relations. When Gabrielle and I return to Brussels we shall gladly receive you, and you too, sir,-with all proper honour." This last shot seemed to tell powerfully on these selfish souls; so that in a few days the requisite deed came to the Embassy with full authorization, and Van Diense was acknowledged as the Count Von Arenberg.

It was now resolved as soon as possible to move George to Brussels, and thence to Rotterdam; to all which he, with his old spirit, said, "And so the lady will wed the trader, and the lovely maid of honour will be a Dutch mevrouw !" "And,” added Alice, "the wounded knight will put his sword into its scabbard, and learn war no more."

"Agreed," said George, "until a certain wilful lady shall pray him to draw it in the cause of dear old England."

CHAPTER XXX.

PLIGHTED TROTH AND wedding bells.

"Und finden sich verwandte Seelen

Auf wechsel-wollem Lebensmeer

Die sich in Lieb' und Treu vermählen

Wird auch der fromme Wunsch nicht fehlen

Dem Herrn sei Lob und Ehr."

STURM.

was not long before George, reclining on at litter, with the Count Von Arenberg, the Lady

de Berghem, the Baron Van Ruyter, and their attendants, escorted by Colonel George Sherwood's gallant English troops, filed along the road leading from the noble Rhine. By easy stages they reached Brussels, where the two princely mansions were opened to them. They rested in them but a short time; when George, now able to mount on horseback, took the command of his soldiers, and they pressed forward to Rotterdam, looking for news from England which might soon involve an entire revolution in their plans.

At pretty Islemonde they were delighted to find the barge awaiting them, with the Allens accompanying Bridge and his wife, who were full of eagerness to welcome their daughter and the convalescent soldier. Again reclining on soft cushions, they enjoyed the beautiful approach to Rotterdam, this time driven on by a fresh breeze, which gave speed to the clouds, foam to the rippling waves, and pleasant impulse to their bark.

They had much to tell each other which letters had not expressed. They congratulated the Count and Countess on their reinstatement in their rightful position, and Bridge jocularly supposed they would be Dutch grandees now, and must abandon England.

"I hope not," said Gabrielle; "when, at least, England will admit us."

"Oh, there is hope," said Bridge; "for the Scotch are invading the North, and Strafford is coming home from Ireland, and there must soon be a Parliament."

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"Then," said George, I must hasten home with my men, for Cromwell will soon want us."

"I believe he holds some appointment in the Eastern Counties, under the Earl of Kimbolton, to see after the trainbands in that part of England.”

"Good!" said George; "that will be in the King's name. Alice, even you will bid me obey that call?

"I fear, George, that will be but a pretext for resisting the anointed monarch afterwards. But you are not strong yet. Gabrielle, must not the nurses detain him?” "Nay," replied Gabrielle,

"When the knight can mount his steed,

The nurse must him to duty speed,'—

a French refrain which I suppose is general experience."

The Boompjees were lined with all the English exiles, the Burgemeester and the Raad, and a vast throng of gentle and simple of the kind Dutch people. Many were the hearty shouts and warm greetings as they stepped ashore, and proceeded through lines of smiling people to their homes. George found letters from Cromwell and others, as he expected, calling him home at once, and offering him a command in Norfolk, at the same time explaining the urgent need of strenuous preparation, that the Court party might not gain hold of the garrisoned forts and of the militia in

that district. Cromwell proposed to meet him at home, and give him personal instructions.

The Count greatly approved of his resolve to leave at once, and said, "Go, George, though we would gladly keep you; for I suppose, if you are in such haste, you must lose my wedding."

"Oh," said George, "how sorry I shall be. But, at last, you will be happy; and you have waited so long!"

"I hope my sister will be happy too," said the Count. "Ah, no doubt !—he is a fine young fellow, the Baron Van Ruyter. Send him as English Ambassador."

But we shall not be quite happy, George, till your 'white lily' gives herself to you."

"I have my spurs to win, and my perils to run, and I hope my country to save, before that can be. But you know my heart; and I believe there is no doubt as to hers."

One social evening was permitted before George and his soldiers embarked for the English shore. Bridge gave them a grand address in the English church that evening, marked by the fervour of his faith, and the whole service was memorable for the impressive scene. The prospect of the close of exile-the mercies received-the going over to Canaan, not for peaceful settlement, but to fight for home and conscience-the terrible civil collision— the breach of families—the dubious issues—the possibility of being driven back again, all these ideas powerfully affected the audience. The eyes of men and soldiers were moist with fast-falling tears as these themes were touched on, and as they were reminded that the God of Israel was with them, and that the victory must be won by piety as well as by valour. The church of the Haringvleet, which had become dear as a place of worship to the exiles, never looked more interesting than when filled by that body of martial and resolute youth who were devoting themselves as soldiers of England and of the Gospel. The simplicity of

the building, with its dark oak panels and stalls; the twilight gloaming with its picturesque shades; the Pastor's noble figure, his hands outstretched in blessing; and the air tremulous with sighs, sobs, and repressed utterances,-all gave a most reverend air to the spectacle. When that touching service had closed with the solemn sacrament, George led Alice home, and their walk along the broad quiet streets was not interrupted. "Alice dearest, you see I ought to go, and that I hope to make a way for the return of you all ere long?"

"Yes, George; though it is a sad necessity, and though I would strengthen you, my heart is weak as I realize what you have suffered, and may again,—and what thousands will have to suffer. But take with you my dear father's zeal." "I hope I do," said George. "I believe in the cause, and in its success at last. I shall be near to protect my parents and old Norwich friends."

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And, George, you will be tender to Edward, and preserve him from evil consequence in the change of times?"

Surely;-I will treat him better than he did the Fleming But let that Green beware, and keep far from Norwich." 'George, let not a great patriotic struggle be lowered by personal grudges."

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'Alie, you must let me sweeten them by the chivalrous affection of love. The Lady Gabrielle and Hannchen Van Diense are examples of condescending beauty. I wish I could enjoy these marriages, and there find a suitable time for pleading my own cause. But, Alie, you well know my long and entire devotion to yourself. Will you let me carry away the delicious hope of living to make you happy, in a home of our own, when these public troubles and duties are over?"

Alice was silent, though deeply moved, when George took her hand and said, "If God spares us to meet under such circumstances, will you, Alie, give me now, as a token, the knot of ribbons near your heart?" A moment she hesitated,