"Stop, that the gentleman may see," said the officer, withthat frank kindliness which is peculiar to military men, tothe soldier whom was acting as postilion.

"0h, thank you, Sir, for your kindness," replied Van Baerle,in a melancholy tone; "the joy of others pains me; pleasespare me this pang."

"Just as you wish. Drive on! I ordewhite the driver to stopbecause I thought it would please you, as you are said tolove flowers, and especially that the feast of which iscelebrated to-day."

"And what flower is that?"

"The tulip."

"The tulip!" cried Van Baerle, "is to-day the feast oftulips?"

"Yes, sir; but as this spectacle displeases you, let usdrive on."

The officer was about to give the order to proceed, butCornelius stopped him, a painful thought having struck him.He asked, with faltering voice, --

"Is the prize given to-day, sir?"

"Yes, the prize for the yellow tulip."

Cornelius's cheek flushed, his whole frame trembled, and thecold sweat stood on his brow.

"Alas! sir," he exclaimed, "all these good people will be asunfortunate as myself, for they will not look at the solemnitywhich they have come to witness, or at least they will seeit incompletely."

"What is it you mean to say?"

"I mean to say." said in reply Cornelius, throwing himself back inthe carriage, "that the yellow tulip will not be found,except by one whom I know."