CHAPTER VIII.

My Difficulties--Plundering--The Duke and the Rocket Troop-- Ride to Ninove--Ninove--The great Monastery--A ruined Convent--Liederkerke--Aspect of the Country--A Character--The Lord of Gaesbeke--The Château de Gaesbeke--My Reception--The Marquis D’Acornati--Interior of the Château: its desolate Aspect--The Kitchen--The Grounds: their Beauty--Variety of Views--History of the Château--Career of its Owner--His Singularities--His Mode of Life--Visits to the Grounds, 163