Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/141

 "Mother! " said Conrad. The sad eyes opened, and Madam drew her son down to her and kissed him tenderly.

"It is all right, my son," she said, with quivering lips and eyes which were dim with gathering tears. "The Lord loveth whom He chasteneth. He doeth all things well."

"It is not right, it is not just," said Conrad passionately. "Father in prison and Hilvardine in the hands of the Inquisition, and the whole body of reformed Christians throughout the Netherlands persecuted and killed! If we believe that the Protestants  are indeed the Almighty's chosen ones, it is passing strange that He gives the victory to the enemies of that faith. It is enough to make one doubt God's goodness."

"Speak not thus, my son," said his mother. "Your tongue has led you perilously near to blasphemy. God's ways are indeed inscrutable, but they are always goodness and mercy to them that fear His name. Yes, I believe it," she added, "whatever the Lord of Hosts permits is right. But you are sadly in need of rest and refreshments. Go and eat the evening meal which Lysken has prepared, and then try and sleep. To-morrow things will look clearer and we can plan for the future."

Conrad obeyed, but he could not swallow food. He cast himself on a couch, thinking to rest, but not to sleep. Healthy youth knows not how to