Page:The black tulip (IA 10892334.2209.emory.edu).pdf/228

 were wandering in that labyrinth without a goal and without a guide, which is called remorse and shame of the past.

Soon, however, raising his head with an effort, he said, in his usual voice,—

“Go, Mr. Boxtel, justice shall be done, I promise you.”

Then, turning to the President, he added,—

“You, my dear Mynheer Van Herysen, take charge of this young woman and of the tulip. Good bye.”

All bowed, and the Prince left, among the deafening cheers of the crowd outside.

Boxtel returned to his inn, rather puzzled and uneasy, tormented by misgivings about that paper which William had received from the hand of Rosa, and which His Highness had read, folded up, and so carefully put in his pocket. What was the meaning of all this?

Rosa went up to the tulip, tenderly kissed its leaves, and, with a heart full of happiness and confidence in the ways of God, broke out in the words,—

“Thou knowest best for what end thou madest my good Cornelius teach me to read.”

  the events we have described in our last chapters were taking place, the unfortunate Van Baerle, forgotten in his cell in the fortress of Lœvestein, suffered, at the hands of Gryphus, all that a prisoner can suffer when his jailor has formed the determination of playing the part of hangman.

Gryphus, not having received any tidings of Rosa,