You see, my dear William, I have entered the fortress.

But to resume my narrative. Van Beek gave me a letter of introduction
to his friend Overberg, a lawyer in Zutphen, and I called upon this
worthy man of the law as soon as I arrived in the town. This Overberg
was the agent of my old Aunt Roselaer in these quarters, and it was
through his good management of her affairs that she gradually obtained
possession of Von Zwenken's property, as the General usually borrowed
money of Overberg. After all, the General was more fortunate than
if he had fallen into the hands of usurers, who, speculating on his
weakness, would have ruined him in a much shorter time. Overberg had
advised the General to accept the offer of his sister-in-law--with
what result you already know. For this reason he recommended me,
if I wished to obtain a kindly reception at the Castle, not to
present myself there as the heir to Miss Roselaer's property; such
an introduction being calculated to raise a prejudice against me
from the first. Therefore I decided to present myself as a relation
anxious to make the acquaintance of the family.

Seizing the opportunity, I began to question Overberg about Miss
Mordaunt.

"I have only spoken to her once," he said; "the General always comes
to see me in person. She is never seen in the town now. Once, indeed,
whilst the General was still commandant of the garrison here, she
came to consult me on a matter personal to herself, but that is a
long time ago."

The good-natured lawyer, though ignorant of my matrimonial plans,
doubtless read disappointment in my face, for he resumed, as if to
excuse the meagreness of his information--

"You see, sir, the General then lived in grand style; and a wide
distinction was also made in society between the military and the
bourgeoisie. I was a widower, my time fully occupied, and I seldom went
into society. Since my second marriage, however, we have parties and
dinners enough--and that reminds me my wife has a soiree this evening;
several young ladies who know Miss Mordaunt are invited. Will you spend
the evening with us? You can leave tomorrow early for the Werve. I will
introduce you to the company as a gentleman looking out for a villa in
our neighbourhood; for as you know, in a small town like ours, it is
necessary to give a reason for your appearance among us, otherwise one
will be invented--and such inventions are not always of a flattering
kind. I can easily give the