Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/97

 incurred the Chancellor's displeasure. If we do not hear anything definite to-day, I shall be in favor of trying other means.”

“Do nothing rash, I entreat you,” replied the daughter. “Heer Chenoweth will leave no stone unturned to secure for us our just tights. I have full confidence in his ability.”

“Why so?” demanded Madame. “The advocate is an entire stranger to us. Why should he care whether two obscure women received justice?”

A flush mantled the girl's cheek, which the elder lady was not slow to observe. “Ah, I see. It is because Heer Chenoweth is Colonel Van Straalen's friend that you regard him with such favor. Have you not forgotten that childish attachment?”

“I shall never forget what a kind, noble friend Colonel Van Straalen was to us,” said Katharine.

“It is more than likely that he has forgotten you by this time. At least I hope he has. How long is it since you heard from him?”

“More than a year. But it is possible that his letters miscarried.”

“I do not believe it. For my sake, Katharine, do not let this unfortunate attachment of yours be known. If it were even suspected we should lose all hope of gaining that fortune. Colonel Van Straalen is a Protestant. The mere fact that you were interested in an enemy of the Church would ruin our case. I beg you to be prudent.”