“There is nothing I should like better than to spend the day here; and as for the dinner, I prefer to take pot-luck with my friends.”
“Well, of course you will stay to dinner, Leopold,” said the General, eyeing Francis, who had not yet given her consent.
After some hesitation she said, in a decisive tone—
“We will dine early to-day; order the carriage for seven o’clock.”
“You shame me with such meagre hospitality,” interposed the General. “Why not invite your cousin Van Zonshoven to stay the night; he can leave early to-morrow morning?”
“Sleep here, grandfather! But you don’t understand; really we are unprepared to lodge visitors.”
“What!” exclaimed Rolf, with a loud laugh, “we could lodge half a company.”
“Half your company!” Francis cried bitterly; “but you forget that Jonker van Zonshoven is accustomed to the luxuries of the Hague.”
“To a modest chamber on the second floor, Francis; and he can sleep comfortably on a mattress of straw, if well wrapped up.”
The old man was again visibly affected, and murmured gently—