ovely Jaqueline, worthy of being a heroine of romance,
and already you inspire me with some of the enthusiasm which you feel,
though I cannot pretend to believe that the efforts which the citizens
of Leyden may make will be crowned with success; yet believe me that I
was prompted entirely by my earnest desire to preserve one I prize so
highly and her family from impending destruction to give the advice I
venture to offer."

"I am well aware of the admiration in which you hold me, Baron Van
Arenberg," answered Jaqueline, "but whatever are your motives, even were
I certain that our cause is desperate, and I do not believe that it is
(for I feel assured that God will prosper the right in the end), I would
not by word or act counsel my father and the citizens of Leyden to yield
while a single man remains alive to strike a blow for freedom."

Gentle as Jaqueline looked while she spoke, her voice and manner were
firm and determined, while she showed that she was anxious to bring the
discussion to an end. It might have afforded more encouragement to the
baron had she endeavoured to win him over to the opinions she held, but
beyond expressing them she made no attempt to do so. The baron,
however, fancied that he was too well acquainted with the female heart
to despair of success; he was young, good-looking, and wealthy, and as
far as was known his moral character was irreproachable. The
burgomaster, deceived by his plausible manners, trusted him fully, and
considering from his rank and wealth that he would be a suitable husband
for his fair daughter, invited him frequently to the house, and had
always received him in a cordial manner. The baron had therefore good
reason to believe that his suit would be successful.

On reaching her father's house, Jaqueline politely, though somewhat
stiffly, thanked him for the service he had rendered in escorting her
home, and the door opening, she entered without expressing the slightest
wish that he would remain. He lingered, expecting that she would at
last remember what he looked upon as her neglect, but she ascended the
steps without further notice of him. He stamped impatiently as he
walked away, muttering, "It is clear that I have a rival, or the fair
Lily would not treat my advances so coldly, supported, as she knows I
am, by her father. Instead of feeling honoured, as she ought, at being
sought in marriage by a noble, she seems utterly regardless of my rank
and personal quali