Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/165

 the priest. "Perhaps you are not aware that your movements are closely watched. You have enemies in high places. I should advise you to leave this section at once. But if you choose to remain, see to it that you are so cleverly disguised that your mother would not recognize you. Farewell."

Promptly at the hour of eight the young advocate escorted his mother to the chapel confessional of the church of Notre Dame. There was a dim light burning, but no one was awaiting them. A sickening fear crept over Madam Chenoweth. Was her great love to be the snare which should entrap her and those she held so dear? She began to doubt Louis Van Steen's word, in spite of his pledges and solemn asseverations.

"It shall go hard with that priest if he has broken faith with us," said Conrad.

Just then the door from the church opened and Father Steen appeared. One glance at the anxious faces before him revealed to the one who was accustomed to read men's minds like a printed page their doubts.

A scornful smile curved his lips. "You see, Madam, that even a Jesuit is not destitute of honor," he said, with cutting irony. "Heer Chenoweth, it will be safer for you to wait outside the building. In precisely one hour I will bring your mother to you. I have prepared Dr. Chenoweth