Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/161

 can procure this favor for you. Come to-night to the chapel which adjoins the prison and I will conduct you to your husband."

"I thank you, Louis, more than can express— but—" Madam Chenoweth hesitated and glanced at Elizabeth. Was this not some net to ensnare her and her children? She must not accept favors from any Jesuit blindly.

"But what, Madam?" said the priest, a frown gathering between his brows. "Why do you hesitate? Do you not trust me?"

"Will my child be safe, and shall I be allowed to return when the tryst is over?" inquired the anxious mother.

The priest seemed to be aware of the child's presence for the first time. The little face under its nimbus of golden hair was almost ethereal in its delicacy.

"Father Ryder would account me guilty of mortal sin to neglect such an opportunity," muttered the priest to himself. "But no, I cannot do it. It is her baby."

Then Father Steen fixed his sad, unrestful look on Madam Chenoweth.

"Fear not," he said, "either for yourself or your child. I cannot find it in my heart to rob you of a single hair of yonder golden head. As far as I know, you are both safe for to-night. But after