Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/75

 ask for a more worthy young man than the son of our neighbor, Dr. Chenoweth.”

“A fig for Hilvardine's wishes! Forsooth, did you ever know a maid of eighteen who knew her own mind? The child is not old enough to settle so grave a question. It is for her parents to judge for her, and, as I remarked before, the girl is promised.”

“Then there is no more to be said about the matter at present,” replied the young advocate, rising and bowing himself out of the room.

Like one dazed he went down the stone steps and out upon the street, his thoughts revolving about the Burgomaster's closing words, “The maid is promised to another.”

“To whom?” was the question that tortured him. Conrad had not long to wait for an answer to his query. Footsteps sounded behind him. Conrad quickened his pace, and so did his pursuer. Wheeling about suddenly, he confronted Chancellor Maas. So enraged was the young man at the sight of his successful rival, that he turned his back upon the magistrate without a sign of recognition and hurried swiftly forward. The magistrate again pursued, and gaining upon the advocate, laid a detaining hand upon his shoulder.

“What were you doing at the Burgomaster's house?” he demanded insolently.