"0h, Rosa, only imagine my joy, this evening I glanced at itin the sun, and after having moved the soil aside whichcovers the bulb, I saw the first sprouting of the leaves.This tiny germ has caused me a much greater emotion thanthe order of his Highness which turned aside the swordalready raised at the Buytwelvehof."

"You hope, then?" exclaimed Rosa, smiling.

"Yes, yes, I hope."

"And I, in my turn, when shall I plant my bulb?"

"0h, the first favourable day I will tell you; but, whateveryou do, let nobody help you, and don't confide your secretto any one in the world; do you see, a connoisseur by merelylooking at the bulb would be able to distinguish its value;and so, my dearest Rosa, be careful in locking up the thirdsucker which remains to you."

"It is still wrapped up in the same paper in which you putit, and just as you gave it me. I have laid it at the bottomof my chest under my point lace, which keeps it dry, withoutpressing upon it. But good evening, my poor captivegentleman."

"How? already?"

"It must be, it must be."

"Coming so late and going so soon."

"My father might grow impatient not seeing me return, andthat precious lover might suspect a rival."

Here she listened uneasily.

"What is it?" asked Van Baerle. "I thought I heardsomething."

"What, then?"

"Something like a step, creaking on the staircase."