Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/162

 to-day I cannot assure you. It were better for you to leave Antwerp for the present."

Madam Chenoweth still hesitated. "You refuse to trust me!" exclaimed the priest. The color rushed to his pale cheeks, which demonstrated that the passionate spirit within was not wholly subdued. "Very well! I can do no more to satisfy your fears than to give you my simple word," and he turned to go.

"Wait, Louis, one moment, I entreat you," said Madam. "I do not distrust you, but your Order. You have just given me your word of honor. Tell me, is it the word of honor of a Jesuit, or a Flemish gentleman?"

Their eyes met. There was no hesitancy in the priest's answer.

"A Flemish gentleman addresses you, Madam."

"Thank you, Louis. My last fear is laid to rest. Most gratefully do I accept your boon."

Father Steen encountered Conrad Chenoweth as he was passing out of the house, and he stopped a moment to warn him of impending danger.

"I did not dare to let your mother know the extent of the peril she was in, but another sunrise must not find her and the little child in Antwerp."

"Our plans are all laid for an immediate departure," said the advocate. I thank you for your generous act."

"The indebtedness is still on my side," returned