Denecker, in fact, could not help observing the young people's emotion; and, as De Vlierbeck passed down the saloon with him, remarked that the young beauty was evidently turning his nephew's head.

"He talks of her constantly," said he, "and I don't know what may come of it; but I give you fair warning, Monsieur De Vlierbeck, if you are unwilling to see something more than compliments between these children you had better take time by the forelock.

It will soon be too late to reason with them; for my nephew, with all his calm gentleness, is not the man to retreat before difficulties." De Vlierbeck was secretly delighted by the merchant's counsels, but was too wise to display anxiety.
"You are joking, Monsieur Denecker," said he: "I can't think there is a particle of danger.

They are both young, and there is nothing surprising in mutual attraction under such circumstances.

There can hardly be any thing serious in their intercourse.