Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/65

 “Hilvardine, my little playfellow, have you no welcome for me?”

“I am certainly glad to see you, Heer Chenoweth,” was the demure reply. “But I think it is time that I returned. I do not wish to intrude on this your first night at home for many months.”

“Nonsense, Hilvardine!” replied Madam Chenoweth. “Of course you will remain until after tea and hear the news from the Capital. Then if you insist upon going early, Conrad will take you to your father's house in safety.”

With a mother's keen intuition Madam Chenoweth divined her son's wish, for she had long ago read his secret. The burgomaster's daughter did not need much urging to accede to a request which was evidently an agreeable one.

Lysken, the nurse, now came to put, Elizabeth to bed. Dr. Chenoweth took the delicate, fairy-like form of his child in his arms and kissed her many times.

“Ah, my little daughter,” he said, “I fear that you were born in an ill-starred time. The reign of tyranny is but just begun. Every Netherlander will soon be deprived of all just rights, and even to hold up one's head fearlessly will soon be accounted a crime. Now, Conrad, give us the latest report from Brussels,” he added, as they sat down to supper.

“All hope of justice or mercy from the King is