Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/82



was a busy man, but he allowed himself one relaxation—an occasional game of chess. One evening he stepped into the private office of the Chancellor of Brabant, to indulge in his favorite pastime. It was only a few squares from the cathedral buildings, where the prelate resided, to the home of the magistrate.

The latter welcomed his guest with apparent cordiality. The two men formed a striking contrast as they sat opposite each other. The Chancellor was a repulsive personality to gaze upon, with his pointed head, and his face with its expression of low cunning, his red eyes, and stooping, undersized figure. There was tremendous intellectual power suggested by the physiognomy of the churchman, with his regular features, full dark eyes, and massive head. His tall and elegantly-proportioned figure was in harmony with the rest of the man.

“You are welcome, Monseigneur, very welcome!” said the Chancellor. “I have had 76