epare breakfast, leaving the old
man gazing through the glazed doors at the precious metal within. His
eyes were rivetted upon it, and he could not remove them. Every minute
he muttered, "Yes, all silver."

Philip came down stairs; and as he passed by the room, intending to go
into the kitchen, he perceived Mynheer Poots at the buffet, and he
walked into the room. He was surprised as well as pleased with the
alteration. He felt why and by whom it was done, and he was grateful.
Amine came in with the breakfast, and their eyes spoke more than their
lips could have done; and Philip sat down to his meal with less of
sorrow and gloom upon his brow.

"Mynheer Poots," said Philip, as soon as he had finished, "I intend to
leave you in possession of my cottage, and I trust you will find
yourself comfortable. What little arrangements are necessary, I will
confide to your daughter previous to my departure."

"Then you leave us, Mr Philip, to go to sea? It must be pleasant to go
and see strange countries--much better than staying at home. When do
you go?"

"I shall leave this evening for Amsterdam," replied Philip, "to make my
arrangements about a ship; but I shall return, I think, before I sail."

"Ah! you will return. Yes--you have your money and your goods to see
to; you must count your money. We will take good care of it. Where is
your money, Mr Vanderdecken?"

"That I will communicate to your daughter this forenoon, before I leave.
In three weeks, at the furthest, you may expect me back."

"Father," said Amine, "you promised to go and see the child of the
burgomaster; it is time you went."

"Yes, yes--by-and-by--all in good time; but I must wait the pleasure of
Mr Philip first: he has much to tell me before he goes."

Philip could not help smiling when he remembered what had passed when he
first summoned Mynheer Poots to the cottage; but the remembrance ended
in sorrow and a clouded brow.

Amine, who knew what was passing in the minds of both her father and
Philip, now brought her father's hat, and led him to the door of the
cottage; and Mynheer Poots, very much against his inclination--but never
disputing the will of his daughter--was obliged to depart.

"So soon, Philip?" said Amine, returning to the room.

"Yes, Amine, immediately; but I trust to be back once more before I
sail; if not, you must now have my instructions. Give me the keys."

Philip opened the cupboard below the buffet, and the doors