Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/182

 In the privacy of his own room he examined the letter of Katharine La Tour. It was a reflection of the Superior's letter, telling him of her purpose to become a nun, and relating the circumstances which had led her to make this decision.

"I hope, Reynold," she concluded, "that you will not feel that I have broken faith with you. You are still the dearest earthly friend I now have. Our faiths are so radically different, that it would not be wise for us to wed. I am a sincere Roman Catholic, and you are equally sincere as a Protestant. A husband and wife ought to walk hand in hand the pathway to heaven. So it seemed best for me to break this attachment of my childhood.

"I am happy in my choice of a home. If I could be assured that my act was not giving you a lasting pang, I should sing for joy at the prospect of a life wholly devoted to God. I shall always remember my friend and brother before the throne of grace."

""

The young man crushed the letter in his hand. "This is madness," he said angrily, "fanaticism run to seed. That wily priest has Katharine wholly under his influence." The next morning Reynold Van Straalen sought his commanding officer.

"I wish to return to Brussels at once to find my sister and to remove her to a place of safety. I herewith resign my commission in the King's army.