Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/215

 which you are placed. You are still under age, and subject to the authority of your uncle. Your conduct must be governed largely by his commands. If your conscience does not condemn you, continue for the present in the same course. But remember this, my boy: when God’s call comes to you to confess Him before men, you cannot mistake His voice. Then see to it that you heed that voice and obey that summons, even though it costs you your life.”

A footstep sounded in the hall, and presently Baron Berlaymont entered the library.

“How is this, Hugo? Moping in the dark, as usual?”

The servants brought in candles and stirred the dying embers of a wood fire into a cheery blaze.

“Tears, nephew! Tears, I verily believe. How can you weep when the Church is on the eve of a splendid victory? Do you not know, my boy, that Francis Junius has at last been betrayed into our hands, and to-morrow he dies? Yes, thank God, that dangerous heretic dies. Would that I could be there to witness the execution, but an order from Alva demands my presence elsewhere.”

“Uncle, I have a favor to ask of you,” said Hugo, rising and standing with shining eyes before the Baron.

"Name it. I am in a mood to grant almost any reasonable request,” was the reply.