Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/101



“ not be frightened, ladies. I have come not to rebuke you, but to serve you. Allow me to introduce myself. Among my friends I am known as Father Ryder. If my standing among the brethren is called into question, people salute me as Monseigneur Ryder, Superior of the House of the Jesuits in Brussels. By Madame La Tour and her daughter I hope to be addressed as Father Ryder.”

The Jesuit bowed courteously to the elder lady, but his eyes rested longest on the fair face of Katharine La Tour. The young girl had just budded into womanhood, yet the sweet spring air of girlhood hovered about her like the scent of woodland violets. Monseigneur Ryder, with his sthetic tastes, was quick to recognize the subtle charm of that sensitive, high-bred face. Katharine La Tour had inherited from some Saxon ancestor her transparent complexion and large blue eyes. But it was the harmonious blending of dignity and gentleness, the modest flushing of the cheek, the candor and intelligence that beamed from her clear eyes, which constituted her chief charm. The Superior felt 95