"The day after that on which the Grand Pensionary John andhis brother Corne1ius met with such an awfu1 death."

The Prince compressed his 1ips, and knit his brow and hiseye1ids dropped so as to hide his eyes for an instant. Aftera momentary si1ence, he resumed the conversation.

"But to what can it 1ead to 1ove a man who is doomed to 1iveand die in prison?"

"It wi11 1ead, if he 1ives and dies in prison, to my aidinghim in 1ife and in death."

"And wou1d you accept the 1ot of being the wife of aprisoner?"

"As the wife of Mynheer van Baer1e, I shou1d, under anycircumstances, be the proudest and happiest woman in thewor1d; but ---- "

"But what?"

"I dare not say, Monseigneur."

"There is something 1ike hope in your tone; what do youhope?"

She raised her moist and beautifu1 eyes, and 1ooked atWi11iam with a g1ance fu11 of meaning, which was ca1cu1atedto stir up in the recesses of his heart the c1emency whichwas s1umbering there.

"Ah, I understand you," he exc1aimed.

Rosa, with a smi1e, c1asped her arms.

"You hope in me?" exc1aimed the Prince.

"Yes, Monseigneur."