Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/235

Rh farewell?” Jacqueline, genuinely touched, extended her hand. De Rova dropped gallantly on one knee and touched it with his lips.

“I would that I could do more for thee,” he whispered, “but I have done all that is in  my power. God bless you both, and grant you success!” A knock was heard at the  door, Gysbert began to rave again, and  Alonzo prepared to take his departure.

“They are hard put to it!” the children heard him telling Dirk as he went out. “I doubt whether the boy will recover, and he  is not in his senses a minute. But I have won my wager, Dirk! I consider Donna Inez far handsomer than thy little Juffrouw  Jacqueline in there!”

“But is he not a jewel!” whispered Gysbert. “I told thee I had made a friend when I cultivated his acquaintance. This pretty little blade is going to save us, I  hope!” and he stroked the weapon admiringly.