Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/72

 The girl did as she was bidden, and she saw a light shining in his eyes which even a duller woman could not have failed to comprehend.

“Hilvardine, I love you. My heart is all yours. For your sake I would lose all, save honor. Will you make me happy, or will you send me hence in heaviness of spirit?”

They had now reached the Burgomaster's house, and just as Conrad waited for a reply to his important question, the front door opened and the repulsive face and stunted figure of a man sixty years old appeared. Ugly-looking people sometimes affect great display in their dress. This was true of the man descending the steps.

He was gorgeously attired in trousers of puce velvet, fastened above the knee with bows of ribbon. He wore a tight-fitting jacket with sleeves slashed with white satin. A jaunty black court mantle lined with the same delicate color hung loosely from his shoulders, and was confined in front by a buckle composed of jewels, which royalty itself might have envied.

Conrad immediately recognized the man as the Chancellor of Brabant, EngelLert Maas. The Chancellor lifted his hat courteously to the Burgomaster's daughter, but stared insolently at her escort. After a momentary hesitation he walked away.

The change in Hilvardine at the sight of this