e not affianced; perhaps for this very reason which I now
learn. But he cares for me and knows that I care for him. Must I then,
in addition to the loss of him, be remembered all his life as little
better than a light-of-love caught by the tricks and glitter of such a
man as you? I tell you that first I will kill myself."

Again Montalvo went to the window, for this hint of suicide was most
disconcerting. No one can marry a dead woman, and Lysbeth was scarcely
likely to leave a will in his favour. It seemed that what troubled her
particularly was the fear lest the young man should think her conduct
light. Well, why should she not give him a reason which he would be the
first to acknowledge as excellent for breaking with him? Could she, a
Catholic, be expected to wed a heretic, and could he not be made to tell
her that he was a heretic?

Behold an answer to his question! The Saints themselves, desiring that
this pearl of price should continue to rest in the bosom of the true
Church, had interfered in his behalf, for there in the street below was
Dirk van Goorl approaching Lysbeth's door. Yes, there he was dressed
in his best burgher's suit, his brow knit with thought, his step
hesitating; a very picture of the timid, doubtful lover.

"Lysbeth van Hout," said the Count, turning to her, "as it chances the
Heer Dirk van Goorl is at your door. You will admit him, and this matter
can be settled one way or the other. I wish to point out to you how
needless it is that the young man should be left believing that you have
treated him ill. All which is necessary is that you should ask whether
or no he is of your faith. If I know him, he will not lie to you. Then
it remains only for you to say--for doubtless the man comes here to seek
your hand--that however much it may grieve you to give such an answer,
you can take no heretic to husband. Do you understand?"

Lysbeth bowed her head.

"Then listen. You will admit your suitor; you will allow him to make
his offer to you now--if he is so inclined; you will, before giving any
answer, ask him of his faith. If he replies that he is a heretic, you
will dismiss him as kindly as you wish. If he replies that he is a true
servant of the Church, you will say that you have heard a different tale
and must have time to make inquiries. Remember also that if by one jot
you do otherwise than I have bid you, when Dirk van Goorl leaves the
room you see him for the last time, unless it pleases you