Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/244

 the world was full of such, and had been, since the day when Jacob tended the flocks of Laban and sighed for Rachael.

At last the appointed hour came, and Conrad and his friend set out for the home of the Spanish Doña. She met them with smiles and with the welcome assurance that Hilvardine was safe in her possession. She prepared them for the changed appearance of the girl, as she had been ill of prison fever.

Reynold Van Straalen was first summoned to her presence He was merciful to his friend, and did not prolong his interview. In less than a half hour he returned, with the welcome announcement that Hilvardine was feeling stronger and would see Conrad at once. A moment more and he was in her presence. Hilvardine’s face, wasted and worn by sorrow and sickness, still retained its loveliness. Her hair had been cut, and clung in short raven curls close to her face, giving it a look of extreme youthfulness. Her face was chastened in its expression, but her eyes shone with a happy light as she caught sight of Conrad.

He held out his arms, and straight as a homing dove she went to meet him. No words were needed. Time for them had no existence. Pain, fatigue, anxiety-all were forgotten in the felicity of this hour.

“God has been very good to me,” whispered Hilvardine.