Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/85

 “Because it was fitting that Madame should be punished for not converting her husband to the true faith, instead of living with him in perfect contentment until his death.”

“How much property is involved?” asked the magistrate.

“A half million riksdalers, I believe. Madame La Tour has a near relative living in Amsterdam, who has recently died and bequeathed his property to her and the daughter. They evidently sought the advice of Chenoweth, in order to establish their claims.”

“I wonder why they selected that young man, in preference to older and more noted counsel?” said the Chancellor.

“It is a sort of family matter,” replied Monseigneur Ryder. “My position, as you know, enables me to obtain much information of a private character. Mademoiselle La Tour formed an attachment for Colonel Van Straalen in her childhood, which attachment I understand was ardently returned. This latter individual wrote to his intimate friend, Conrad Chenoweth, (who, by the way, is a lover of the Burgomaster's daughter,) and prayed him to use his influence with the authorities and help the plaintiff to secure her estates. I should like to have these schemes succeed in part and fail in part; that is to say, I want the money secured