Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/70



“ father will be placed in an embarrassing condition if the execution of the Edicts is rigorously enforced,” said Conrad to his companion, as they walked slowly through the deserted streets to the Burgomaster's house. “The fact that his wife and children are Protestants ties his hands.”

“You are right,” said Hilvardine. “Father will probably continue to expostulate and threaten, and then end by doing nothing. Protestantism in Antwerp is too strong an element to be coerced, and you know the Prince is a lenient master.”

“What do you hear from Colonel Van Straalen?” inquired Conrad.

“I received a letter from my brother only a few days ago. He is still stationed on the French frontier, and there is no prospect of his coming home at present. He complains that he has not heard from us for some time, yet I have written regularly to him and have kept him informed of the condition of affairs in the Netherlands.”

“It is not strange, in these unsettled times, that 64