Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/181

 Burgomaster, Anthony Van Straalen of Antwerp, had been purchased by a Catholic, who was willing to assume all risks. The heirs to the estate both being heretics, the court had decided that they had forfeited all right to the estate of the said Burgomaster. The personal property of the deceased, which was considerable, would revert by law to the State. This was in substance the contents of the letter.

The other document bore an imposing mitre on the seal. The contents were as follows:

“To Heer Reynold Van Straalen, Colonel in His Majesty’s army, stationed at Calais.

“ By special indulgence, I have given Mademoiselle La Tour permission to write you for the last time before becoming a nun at the convent of the Sacred Heart at Brussels. She takes the veil in a month. After that ceremony, all her relations with the outside world will cease.

“A servant of Jesus,

“Superior of the House of the Jesuits at Brussels.”

“Have you had bad news?” asked General Berlaymont, noticing the officer’s agitation.

“Yes,” replied his companion, and he briefly related the misfortunes which had befallen him. “I beg you to excuse me from duty to-night.”