rning that we might
prepare for the enemy."

The baron, whose features were flushed with annoyance, for Jaqueline
overheard all that was said, was about to make an angry reply, when the
burgomaster called Albert. "Hasten to your father, my good Albert,
break the sad news you have heard, and say that I shall esteem it a
favour if he will come forthwith to meet me at the council hall, as I
would desire to have some time to speak with him on these matters before
the rest of the councillors arrive. I will, on my way, send round to
summon them, as we must lose no time in preparing to defend our city."

Albert, with the activity of youth, leaped down the steps, while the
burgomaster prepared to descend with greater caution. "Baron Van
Arenberg," he said, "I must request you to escort my daughter to her
home, while Captain Van der Elst accompanies me to the Stadhuis, as we
have matters of importance to discuss on our way. I hope that you will
afterwards join us there, and will offer your services to aid in the
defence of the place."

Baron Van Arenberg expressed the honour and pleasure he felt at the
charge committed to him, although Jaqueline, while bowing her head in
acquiescence, showed by her manner that the arrangement afforded her no
especial satisfaction. The Lily, as may be conjectured, had many
admirers, for not only was she fair and graceful, with a sweet
disposition, but it was supposed that she would inherit the wealth of
the burgomaster; hitherto, however, as far as was known, her heart was
untouched, and she had favoured no one.

CHAPTER TWO.

On reaching the foot of the mound the burgomaster and Captain Van der
Elst proceeded to the Stadhuis, while Baron Van Arenberg accompanied
Jaqueline in the direction of her own house. She walked on, though with
graceful step, far more rapidly than her companion wished, looking
directly before her without turning her head, unless it was absolutely
necessary to do so.

"I am still not altogether satisfied as to the entire truth of the
report brought by this young captain regarding the destruction of Count
Louis and his army. The Spanish troops are undoubtedly brave and
disciplined, but it seems incredible to me that they should have cut to
pieces in so short a time the large number of levies the Count is
reported to have had with him. If they allowed themselves to be so
easily defeated all I can say is, that they deserved their fate. In my
opinion it is a