"The dwelling of Oloff Van Staats is said to be commodious, and not badly
placed. I have seen it,------"
"In your images of the future?" said the young man, observing she
hesitated.
Alida laughed downright. But, immediately recovering her self-command, she
replied--
"Not so fancifully. My knowledge of the beauties of the house of Mr. Van
Staats, is confined to very unpoetical glimpses from the river, in passing
and repassing. The chimneys are twisted in the most approved style of the
Dutch Brabant, and, although wanting the stork's nests on their summits,
it seems as if there might be that woman's tempter, comfort, around the
hearths beneath. The offices, too, have an enticing air, for a thrifty
housewife!"
"Which office, in compliment to the worthy Patroon, you intend shall not
long be vacant?"
Alida was playing with a spoon, curiously wrought to represent the stem
and leaves of a tea-plant. She started, dropped the implement, and raised
her eyes to the face of her companion. The look was steady, and not
without an interest in the evident concern betrayed by the young man.
"It will never be filled by me, Ludlow;" was the answer, uttered solemnly,
and with a decision that denoted a resolution fixed.
"That declaration removes a mountain!--Oh! Alida, if you could as
easily------"
"Hush!" whispered the other, rising and standing for a moment in an
attitude of intense expectation.
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