Page:The black tulip (IA 10892334.2209.emory.edu).pdf/207

 Tulipa nigra was a first-rate power, which, in its character as queen of the tulips, might send ambassadors.

“Yes, sir,” answered Rosa, “I come, at least to speak of it.”

“Is it doing well, then?” asked Van Herysen, with a smile of tender veneration.

“Alas! sir, I don’t know,” said Rosa.

“How is that? could any misfortune have happened to it?”

“A very great one, sir; yet not to it, but to me.”

“What?”

“It has been stolen from me.”

“Stolen! the black tulip!”

“Yes, sir.”

“Do you know the thief?”

“I have my suspicions, but I must not yet accuse any one.”

“But the matter may very easily be ascertained.”

“How is that?"

“As it has been stolen from you, the thief cannot be far off."

“Why not?"

“Because I have seen the black tulip only two hours ago."

“You have seen the black tulip!" cried Rosa, rushing up to Mynheer Van Herysen.

“As I see you, miss."

“But where?"

“Well, with your master of course."

“With my master?"

“Yes, are you not in the service of Master Isaac Boxtel?"

“I?"

“Yes, you."

“But for whom do you take me, sir?"

“And for whom do you take me?"