es sparkled,
and in the increasing pleasure of trying the power of her intellect
against his, she sought to surpass every jest and repartee made by
the Junker. She drank no wine, but was intoxicated by her own flow of
language and so completely engrossed Georg's attention, that he found
no time to address a word to the other guests. If he attempted to do so,
she quickly interrupted him and compelled him to turn to her again. This
constraint annoyed the young man; while struggling against it his
spirit of wantonness awoke, and he began to irritate Henrica into making
unprecedented assertions, which he opposed with equally unwarrantable
ones of his own.

Maria sometimes listened to the young lady in surprise, and there was
something in Georg's manner that vexed her. Peter took little notice
of Henrica; he was talking with Van Hout about the letters from the
Glippers asking a surrender, three of which had already been brought
into the city, of the uncertain disposition of some members of the
council and the execution of the captured spy.

Wilhelm, who had scarcely vouchsafed his neighbor an answer, was now
following the conversation of the older men and remarked, that he had
known the traitor. He was a tavern-keeper, in whose inn he had once met
Herr Matanesse Van Wibisma.

"There we have it," said Van Hout. "A note was found in Quatgelat's
pouch, and the writing bore a mysterious resemblance to the baron's
hand. Quatgelat was to enquire about the quantity of provisions in
Leyden." "All alike!" exclaimed the burgomaster. "Unhappily he could
have brought tidings only too welcome to Valdez. Little that is cheering
has resulted from the investigation; though the exact amount has not yet
been ascertained."

"We must place it during the next few days in charge of the ladies."

"Give it to the women?" asked Peter in astonishment.

"Yes, to us!" cried Van Hout's wife. "Why should we sit idle, when we
might be of use."

"Give us the work!" exclaimed Maria. "We are as eager as you, to render
the great cause some service."

"And believe me," added Frau Van Hout, "we shall find admittance to
store-rooms and cellars much more quickly than constables and guards,
whom the housewives fear."

"Women in the service of the city," said Peter thoughtfully. "To be
honest--but your proposal shall be considered.--The young lady is in
good spirits today."

Maria glanced indignantly at Henrica, who had leaned far across the
table. Sh