Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/89



hour grows late, Heer Chancellor. I will bid you good evening, as I have still other business to attend to before I sleep.” Raising his hand in benediction the Superior retired.

The buildings appointed for the brethren of the Order of Jesus lay in the rear of the cathedral. They were imposing in construction, and planned with due attention to both beauty and comfort. Extensive grounds, artistically designed, surrounded the buildings and were enclosed by a high brick wall, the gates of which were kept locked. The Superior fitted a key to the lock and entered the grounds. He passed up the neatly gravelled walk without encountering any one, and entered the door leading to the library. The walls on three sides of the room were covered with massive oak bookcases which were filled with books, some of them of priceless value. On an exquisitely inlaid table was a costly missal, beautifully illuminated, and besides this was a rosary studded with precious stones, which caught and reflected the rays of light 83