The corporal made his report, and Mr Vanslyperken made his comments, but he did no more, for he was aware that a mere trifle would cause a general mutiny. The recovery of Snarleyyow consoled him, and little thinking what had been the events of the preceding night, he thought he might as well prove his devotion to the widow, by paying his respects in a snow-storm--but not in the attire of the day before--Mr Vanslyperken was too economical for that; so he remained in his loose thread-bare great-coat and foul-weather hat. Having first locked up his dog in the cabin, and entrusted the key to the corporal, he went on shore, and presented himself at the widow's door, which was opened by Babette, who with her person barred entrance: she did not wait for Vanslyperken to speak first. "Mynheer Vanslyperken, you can't come in. Frau Vandersloosh is very ill in bed--the doctor says it's a bad case--she cannot be seen." "Ill!" exclaimed Vanslyperken; "your dear, charming mistress ill! Good heavens! what is the matter, my dear Babette?" replied Vanslyperken, with all the pretended interest of a devoted lover. "All through you, Mr Vanslyperken," replied Babette. "Me!" exclaimed Vanslyperken. "Well, all through your nasty cur, which is the same thing." "My dog! I little thought that he was left here," replied the lieutenant; "but, Babette, let me in, if you please, for the snow falls fast, and--" "And you must not come in, Mr Vanslyperken," replied Babette, pushing him back. "Good heavens! what is the matter?"