Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/139

 this man's sorrow. A woman sheds tears easily. But a man's tears—and such a hard, cold man Anthony Van Straalen—such tears were like drops of the heart's blood.

"Is your daughter formally betrothed to Chancellor Maas?" asked the young advocate.

"No! Hilvardine was so uncivil to him that he left her in a rage, vowing vengeance. I expect her disappearance is some of his work."

"Heer Burgomaster, I will leave no stone unturned in order to rescue Hilvardine from her enemies," said the young man, in a broken voice.

"God bless you for your words! " said Madam, with streaming eyes.

"Heer Chenoweth," said the magistrate, thoroughly subdued by his sorrow, "if you will only bring my beloved daughter back to my arms, she shall be your wife. Forgive me the harsh words I have used to you in days past."

Conrad caught the outstretched hand and wrung it. "If need be," he said, "I will give my life to rescue your daughter."

" Your words are brave," said the Burgomaster in his accustomed tones, " but deeds go farther. Lose no time, I beg of you, but hasten on your mission. You will have to work slowly and cautiously, for you have wily foes to deal with, and your attachment to my daughter is known."

Conrad rode to his father's house, feeling sadly