Keep your eyes open, Dame Herse!" "Never fear!" cried Herse.

"And I have need to keep them open I am sorry to say.

The young captain, who on board ship was so bashful and retiring, as soon as he was on land altered his time.

While we were away this morning he crept into his own mother's inn like a ferret, opened the door of our room with the keys of which he has the command--it is shameful!--and proposed to the girl to fly, to leave us--she is the daughter of a dear sister of mine--and go with him; who but he knows where!" Damia struck the floor with her crutch and, interrupting the indignant matron with a spiteful laugh, exclaimed: "Ha, ha! The saintly Mary's most saintly son! Such wonders do not happen every day! Here, Dada--here; take this ring, it has been worn by a woman who once was young and who has had many lovers.

Close--come close, my sweet child." Dada looked up at the old lady with puzzled eyes; Damia bent her head close to the girl's, and whispered, softly but vehemently in her ear: "Only turn that milksop's head, make him so madly and desperately in love with you that he does not know which way to turn for delicious torment.