Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/317

Rh had a spring-like flavor. The canals were packed with gay barges, houses flaunted  in bunting and floral decorations, and a festive air was prevalent in every quarter of  the city. At seven o’clock in the morning there was a solemn ceremony of consecration in the great church of St. Peter. Jacqueline and Gysbert could not but think of another scene in this same church only four  months before,—but how different! There was no weeping now! All the new professors filed in and took their places in the chancel, looking very grand and imposing in their flowing robes and decorations.

“Look, look, Vrouw Voorhaas! there is father!” whispered Gysbert, pulling her  sleeve. And the faithful woman, now quite recovered from her long illness, nodded and  smiled approvingly. The impressive service continued, ending with the singing of the famous hymn,—“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!” But this time the joyful anthem was  interrupted by no sobs of overwrought