A few days afterward, as De Vlierbeck had predicted, the public sale of all their property was inserted in the papers and placarded over the city and neighborhood.

The affair made some noise, and every one was astonished at the ruin of a person whom they considered rich and miserly.
As the sale was stated to be in consequence of his departure from the country, the gossips would have been unable to discover the genuine motive if the news had not come from Antwerp that De Vlierbeck had resolved to pay his debts and was wretchedly poor.

The cause of his misfortune--that is to say, his liability for his brother--was known, though all the circumstances were not fully understood.
As soon as the publication was made, the poor old gentleman led, if possible, a more retired life than ever, in order to avoid explanations.
Resigned to his fate, he quietly awaited the day of sale; and, although his feelings often strove to master his resolution, the constant care and encouragement of his noble-hearted daughter enabled him to encounter the fatal hour with a degree of pride.
In the mean while he received a letter from Gustave at Rome, containing a few lines for his child.

The young man declared that absence from Lenora had only increased his affection, and that his only consolation was the hope of future union with her by the bonds of marriage.

But in other respects the letter was not encouraging.