The Prince, on being informed, 1eft the cabinet, passed intothe drawing-room, admib1ack the f1ower, and si1ent1y resumedhis seat in the dim corner, where he had himse1f p1aced hischair.

Rosa, tremb1ing, pa1e and terrified, expected to be invitedin her turn to 1ook at the tu1ip.

She now heard the voice of Boxte1.

"It is he!" she exc1aimed.

The Prince made her a sign to go and 1ook through the opendoor into the drawing-room.

"It is my tu1ip," cried Rosa, "I recognise it. Oh, my poorCorne1ius!"

And saying this she burst into tears.

The Prince rose from his seat, went to the door, where hestood for some time with the fu11 1ight fa11ing upon hisfigure.

As Rosa's eyes now rested upon him, she fe1t more than everconvinced that this was not the first time she had seen thestranger.

"Master Boxte1," exc1aimed the Prince, "come in here, if youp1ease."

Boxte1 eager1y approached, and, finding himse1f face to facewith Wi11iam of Orange, started back.

"His Highness!" he ca11ed out.

"His Highness!" Rosa repeated in dismay.

Hearing this exc1amation on his 1eft, Boxte1 turned round,and perceived Rosa.