he house of a
friend, where her carriage would await her. I consented, but now I
was on my guard, as I knew who she was; and when she invited me to
spend a day with her I declined----"

"It was imprudent and impolite," interrupted the General.

"It was acting in conformity with the spirit of all your dealings
with her, grandfather. I said I could not spend a single hour longer
in Utrecht than business demanded. Before she could say more, a band
of students, of that class better known outside the lecture-room than
inside, began to form a circle round us, and treat us to a piece of
by no means flattering criticism as to the style of our dress. It is
true I was negligently dressed, far behind the fashions; and aunt's
bonnet and shawl gave her much of the appearance of a caricature. I
felt my blood boil, and yet I retained sufficient calmness to tell
these seedling lawyers, authors, and clergymen they ought to be
ashamed of themselves, as their conduct was worse even than that of
street Arabs. My words took effect; one or two dropped off in silence,
others stepped aside, and one of them even attempted to stammer out an
apology. We were near the house of lawyer Van Beek, where Miss Roselaer
was going; and as we took leave of each other she warmly pressed my
hand, thanking me for my protection and presence of mind, but added
that 'such conduct was scarcely ladylike in the public streets.'

"It might have been more becoming to swoon, but such farces are not
in keeping with the character of Major Frank.

"If I had known the story would amuse you so much, grandfather, I
would have told it you three months ago; but I was afraid it would
be disagreeable to you to hear I had seen Aunt Sophia."

"And you have never since heard a word of Miss Roselaer?" demanded
Von Zwenken, fretfully.

"No; but I have reason to suppose she wished to oblige me. I had
to make arrangements at Utrecht for the proper nursing of my poor
patient. The most important point was the money, and at the time
I had very little; but the same evening I received a letter from
Dr. D., informing me a rich friend, who desired to remain unknown,
had promised to pay all the expenses. So here you have my reasons for
surprise that Aunt Sophia should have included me in hatred of the
family; for the rich unknown friend could be no other than herself."

The General muttered between his teeth--

"Oh, from that woman you might expect anything!"

To me this account wa