he galloped into town, took his horse to a stable, and then walked
towards Maiden Lane.

In a few moments he saw Arenta Van Ariens. She was in a mist of blue and
white, with flowing curls, and fluttering ribbons; and a general air of
happiness. He placed himself directly in her path, and doffed his beaver
to the ground as she approached.

"Well, then," she cried, with an affected air of astonishment, "who
would have thought of seeing you? Your retirement is the talk of the
town."

"And pray what does the town say?"

"Some part of it says you have lost your fortune at cards; another part
says you have lost your heart and got no compensation for it. 'Tis
strange to see the folly of young people of this age," she added, with a
little pretended sigh of superior wisdom.

"As if you, also, had not lost your heart!" exclaimed Hyde.

"No, sir! I have exchanged mine for its full value. Where are you
going?"

"With you."

"In a word, no. For I am going to Aunt Angelica's."

"Upon my honour, it is to your Aunt Angelica's I desire to go most of
all!"