Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/207

 “May the good Lord reward your efforts,” said the officer.

After the departure of her visitors, Doña Isidore called her confidential maid.

“Rita, you are well acquainted with the servants in Chancellor Maas’ family. Did you ever hear them say anything about Hilvardine Van Straalen, the daughter of the Burgomaster at Antwerp?”

“Oh, yes, Doña. The Chancellor fancied himself in love with the girl’s pretty face; but Mistress Van Straalen had such a sharp tongue and abused him so soundly that he tired of her directly and gave up all thoughts of wedding the maiden.”

“Is she still a prisoner in the Chancellor's house?”

“Oh, no! She remained there only a short time. At the advice of Monseigneur Ryder she was thrust into the prison of the Inquisition, because she was a heretic. Whether she is still there or has been condemned and executed, I know not.”

“How did you learn all this, Rita? ”

“From one of the servants at the Chancellor’s. She played the eavesdropper and learned the secret.”

“That will do, Rita!” said her mistress.

Doña Isidore sat for some time lost in thought. Then she said decidedly, “If that girl is in prison, she cannot be released without an order from Alva.