Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/102

78 speaking. Finally Jacqueline took her brother ’s hand in hers and said:

“Gysbert, thine own bravery and the dark scenes I have witnessed to-day have set me  thinking, and to-night I have made my resolve. Since thou hast given thyself to the dangerous task of assisting our beloved city,  I, too, can do no less than devote myself to  the relief of some of its suffering. To-morrow I shall seek Dr. de Witt and ask him to allow me to accompany him in his visits to the sick and starving. I can aid in nursing them, at least, since God has given me that  power.

Gysbert returned his sister’s clasp, but continued in silence for some moments. Truth to tell, he was struggling with a lump that had risen in his throat, and was glad  that the darkness hid the tears that had  gathered under his lashes. The experience of the last few days and weeks had helped to  give him a poise beyond his years, but his  admiration for his sister’s quiet courage