Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/140

 in need of the strength and counsel of his parents. He was surprised at the stillness and deserted appearance of the place. The door to the kitchen stood open, but the servants were gone. Only old Lysken remained, a look of terror on her usually placid face.

"What has happened?" inquired Conrad.

"Did you not notice the King's seal over the door?" answered the nurse. "The Familiars came here last night, searched the house, and removed all your father's private papers. The good doctor was betrayed into the hands of the Inquisition by that scoundrel Maurits, who has been seen prowling about the premises. My master is lodged in prison. Alas!" she wailed, "we shall never see his kind face again!"

"My mother," said the young man hoarsely. "Where is she?"

Lysken pointed to the door of Madam Chenoweth's chamber in silence.

Conrad knocked gently, and then entered the room. His mother sat with little Elizabeth clasped in her arms, her eyes closed and her lips moving as if in prayer. The lonely vigil of the night which had just gone, had in it for Agatha Chenoweth the supreme anguish of death. Love has its Gethsemane as well as its Mount of Transfiguration. But the strong faith of this woman had sustained her even in this trying hour.