supposed that Mr Vanslyperken was in all
haste to go on shore to pay his visit to his charming widow; but still
there was one thing to be done first, which was to report himself to the
admiral.

On his arrival at the admiral's, much to his dissatisfaction, he was
informed that he must hold himself ready for sailing immediately, as
despatches for the Hague were expected down on the next morning. This
would give but a short time to pay his addresses, and he therefore made
all haste to the widow's presence, and was most graciously received.
She almost flew into his arms, upbraided him for being so long away, for
not having written to her, and showed such marks of strong attachment,
that Vanslyperken was in ecstasies. When he told her that he expected
to sail again immediately, she put her handkerchief up to her eyes, and
appeared, to Vanslyperken at least, to shed a few bitter tears. As soon
as she was a little more composed, Vanslyperken produced the packet with
which he was entrusted, which she opened, and took out two letters, one
for herself, and the other addressed to a certain person in a house in
another street.

"This," said the widow, "you must deliver yourself--it is of
consequence. I would deliver it, but if I do, I shall not be able to
look after my little arrangements for dinner, for you dine with me of
course. Besides, you must be acquainted with this person one time or
another, as it will be for OUR advantage."

"OUR advantage!" how delightful to Mr Vanslyperken was that word! He
jumped up immediately, and took his hat to execute the commission, the
injunction of the widow to be soon back hastening his departure.
Vanslyperken soon arrived at the door, knocked, and was admitted.

"Vat vash you vant, sare?" said a venerable-looking old Jew, who opened
the door to him.

"Is your name Lazarus?" inquired the lieutenant.

"Dat vash my name."

"I have a letter for you."

"A letter for me!--and from vare?"

"Amsterdam."

"Shee! silence," said the Jew, leading the way into a small room, and
shutting the door.

Vanslyperken delivered the letter, which the Jew did not open, but laid
on the table. "It vas from my worthy friend in Billen Shaaten. He ist
vell?"

"Quite well," replied Vanslyperken.

"Ven do you sail again, Mynheer?"

"To-morrow morning."

"Dat is good. I have the letters all ready; dey come down yesterday--
vill you vait and take them now?"

"Yes," replied Vanslyperken, who